Original U.S. Percussion Rifle by James Marker of Maryland with Trade Lock by Joseph Golcher - Circa 1850

Original Item: Only One Available. Just purchased at a recent military auction! Here is an octagonal barreled very nice "Pennsylvania" style rifle, often referred to as a "Kentucky" Rifle. The design developed in Pennsylvania, and then spread down the Ohio River Valley to Kentucky, where it was very popular. It is in 0.39" caliber, one of the common sizes we see these in, and features a 40" octagonal barrel with 6 groove rifling, which has a VERY slow rate of twist. The rifle measures 55 1/2" in overall length, and the style and appointments are very typical of the rifles made in the Western Pennsylvania/Eastern Ohio River areas.

In this case however, it was made somewhat to the east in Maryland, and is marked on the top of the barrel by the maker J•MARKER. This is the marking of known maker James Marker (1808-1883), the third child of Golden Age master gunmaker Daniel Marker Sr. (1778-1854), who had learned the trade from his father George Marker Sr. (1753-1827). In 1833, James purchased lot number 160 in Sharpsburg, Maryland, from his uncle and took over his gunsmith business. His eldest son, Jacob, took over the shop from him in 1855, and many other members of their extended family were known makers.

The rifle features a very nice British side action trade lock, which is marked with the makers information:

JOSEPH
GOLCHER

JOSEPH GOLCHER was an English gunsmith based on KING STREET, DARLASTON in STAFFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND, who worked from 1830 to 1865. We have had several examples of "Pennsylvania rifles" bearing his fine locks. The lock plate also has some lovely floral line engraving, as well a "hunting scene" on the tail, showing a hound waiting on the lock plate tail.

We estimate that this octagonal barrel rifle was made about 1850, and features all brass mounts with some minimal ornamentation. The full length stock is lovely, and looks to be made from American black walnut, a very popular and strong wood to use for stocks. The butt stock has a nice cheek piece on the left hand side. The stock does not show any major damage, just the usual wear from use. The breech area of the barrel shows extensive powder burn erosion, so it looks to have seen long use. We checked the lock, and it is functional, though it does not have any half cock position. The bore is in very good condition, with with clear rifling and a partly bright finish, though there is wear at the muzzle. There is a simple wooden cleaning rod installed, which is just for display.

A very nice example of a mid 19th Century "Pennsylvania" rifle, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: approx .39" six groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 40 Inches
Overall Length: 55 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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