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Antique Halfstock Percussion Plains/Sporting Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:250.00 USD
Antique Halfstock Percussion Plains/Sporting Rifle
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Antique Halfstock Percussion Plains or Sporting Rifle, NVSN, .36 cal., 34-5/8'' medium-weight octagonal unmarked barrel has low buckhorn sights; small flat lockplate appears to have been altered from flintlock by the nipple-in-drum method, marked ''R. & W.C. Biddle & Co.'', and has fine-line border and sparse floral engraving at rear as does the hammer; brass furniture includes scrolled finger-rest trigger guard, crescent buttplate with long top and bottom tangs, sheet-brass flash guard to prevent stock from powder burns behind nipple, fillet at lockplate top-front, small oval sideplate, nosecap and three fluted ferrules retaining the hickory ramrod with brass tip; varnished and artificially-striped hardwood (likely walnut-stained maple) halfstock has raised aprons on either side of lock, a low comb, and relief-carved left-side cheekpiece having a fluted bottom edge. Double set triggers. Mfg'd ca. 1840s-60s. Condition is very good. Metal surfaces retain no original finishes but show an overall smooth gunmetal gray-brown patina with 2'' of black-powder pitting at barrel breech; cleaned brass has a smooth light age patina. Stock is sound and smooth with rope-burned striping showing under darkened stain (likely later). Ramrod is a fine modern replica. Action is smooth but does not hold cock; bore is clean showing overall black-powder etching and deep rifling. Est.: $500-$750. (Antique)