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E.D. Benson Silver Inlaid Target Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:25.00 - 500,000.00 USD
E.D. Benson Silver Inlaid Target Rifle
Made by Ezra D. Benson, who worked in Farmington, West Virginia, circa 1860. Rifle has several other marks on rifle that are probable owners. "J.Malone" which is in script in patchbox lid and on a morning glory inlay on left stock side. Barrel has "O.J. Stump", which appears to be a later addition. Being the configuration of this gun, it is believed these men were probably former local shooters at the area "BEEF" Shoots and were probable owners. Rifle measures 47-1/2" overall, weighing a hefty 17-3/4 lbs. Rifle has a massive 31-1/2" octagon 45 caliber rifled barrel, measuring 1-1/4" from barrel flat to barrel flat. Barrel is signed by Benson in his usual three name stamping pyramid with a gold barrel ring at breech. Barrel has a Rocky Mountain front sight and adjustable rear notch sight. Barrel has some squiggle engraving and a 5 pointed star. Commercial percussion lock with flash protector and double set trigger control. Curly maple half-stock with a bit of a fish belly possibly for shooting off a sandbag off a bench. Stock has 15 silver inlays with a brass trigger guard, German silver butt plate, ferrels, and nose cap. Silver oval patchbox, toeplate, and saddle plate, all floral engraved. Comes with hardwood ramrod and document of its presence in a Moundsville, West Virginia collection. CALIBER: 45. FFL STATUS: Antique.
CONDITION
Overall fair with metal turning plum and areas of oxidation. Wood has some cracks around lock and along forearm with silver unpolished. Dark pitted bore with functioning mechanics.