Original U.S. Southern Style Half Stocked Percussion Rifle with .45cal Sleeved Barrel and Set Trigger - Circa 1845

Original Item: Only One Available. Just purchased at a recent military auction! This is a very U.S. Southern style percussion rifle, which does resemble the "Kentucky" style rifle, but is a much more straight design in terms of the stock.

The rifle features all iron mountings, which all show a lovely aged peppery patina. It has a 34 1/4 inch long octagonal barrel with a bore of about 0.45", a common size we see on these rifles, which is cut with 8 groove rifling. Overall length is 51 5/8 inches, and the barrel is relatively heavy for accurate shooting, much like "bench rest" rifles of the day. Close examination of the muzzle shows that the barrel was bored out and sleeved for further use, almost certainly at some point during the 20th century. Additionally, the cap bolster and nipple cone were replaced with one that has a cleanout, and it's definitely in nice shape.

The barrel is marked C. P. on the top, and the rifle is fitted with a "Trade Lock", however the central portion where the maker would be marked shows past pitting, so any markings were obliterated. All we can still make out is a game fowl engraving on the tail of the lock behind the hammer. As with most hunting rifles of the period, this example is fitted with a "set trigger", where depressing the rear trigger first until it clicks and just touching the front trigger discharges the weapon, hopefully with great accuracy. It is fully functional at present, and the hammer cannot be cocked at all until the rear trigger is "set". There is no half-cock position for this reason.

The rifle is in very good condition, showing long service but no abuse, giving it a fantastic broken in look. It is half stocked, and we possibly can see some figuring in the wood, though it is possible that it was "faux figured" before, which does give the surface a wavy texture. There is a long crack on the left side of the stock through the pin and lock screw holes, and there is also some cracking on the right side as shown.

A lovely mid 19th century U.S. rifle, refit during the late 20th century for further use.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1845
Caliber: approx .45" with 8 groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 34 1/4 Inches
Overall Length: 51 5/8 Inches
Action type: Back Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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