Original U.S. Percussion Over & Under Combination .42cal. Hunting Rifle & 36 Bore Fowler with Set Trigger by Jacob T. Sacket of Saegertown PA

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a very nice example of Jacob T. Sacket’s work: an over-and-under fixed combination using octagonal 32 inch long .42 Cal. rifled and .504 Cal. (Roughly 36 Bore) smoothbore barrels. It is not fitted with a wooden fore stock, only a walnut butt stock with a carved-in cheek piece. The butt plate is heavily hooked, made out of "German Silver" and also carries inlays on either side of the butt stock. A simple rectangle on the left side atop a cheek piece and a circular Cap Box on the right side with an eagle on top and other decorations, which is empty.

Each lock, which carries decorative engraving, is back action. The elaborate trigger guard made of German Silver encloses Set triggers, which service both barrels. The set trigger mechanism works fairly well at present, and the hammers cannot be fired at all until the rear trigger is set, so there is no half-cock position as a result. Barrel choice was accomplished by leaving one or the other un-cocked. Both can be fired simultaneously if desired, but we doubt that was the intended use. The top barrel is the rifle, while the bottom barrel is the shotgun. The lock is a bit finicky at times, so we recommend handling it with care.

There are TWO wood ramrods, one on each side, both of which have lovely spiral patterns on the outside, accomplished by wrapping them with burning cord. Both have end fittings, but neither has any fitting on the other end for cleaning tools. The top barrel is very clearly marked:-

J. SACKET.

Jacob T. Sacket (or Sackett) was a multi-talented artisan working out of Saegerstown, PA in the 19th century, recorded as making percussion rifles and shotguns, as well as dealing in fine violins. He lived 1833-1904, and is only really recorded as having made long rifles, which was usually stamped on the barrel as "J. SACKET." or J. SACKET. SAEGERTOWN. PA.". His works have characteristic style to the fittings, which are usually "German Silver, as are those on this example. The guns were not really showpieces, instead being made for everyday use, and as such very few remain today, with most having been used until they wore out, after which they were disposed of.

The stock is in good shape overall without any serious damage. The bore of the rifled barrel is in very good shape, with lands & grooves still visible, and it looks like it has smaller lands within the grooves, though this could just be from wear. The metalwork has a lovely patina overall. It has a simple blade front sight, with a replace copper blade. We also can see that there was originally another sight forward of this, and the rear sight is a simple notch sight.

This is a gorgeous example of an over & under combination rifle/shotgun with gorgeous and intricate engraving across locks and some fantastic nickel silver fittings.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber (Rifled Barrel): approx .42 with 6 double groove rifling
Caliber (Fowler Barrel): approx .504 (36 Bore / Gauge)
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 49 1/2 Inches
Action type: Back Action Percussion Locks
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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