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J.Henry Son Perc. Halfstock Plains Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:900.00 USD Estimated At:NA
J.Henry  Son Perc. Halfstock Plains Rifle
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J. Henry & Son Percussion Halfstock Plains Rifle, NVSN, approx. .38 cal., 37.5'' heavy octagonal barrel, small ''J. Henry/& Son'' marked on lockplate and on barrel ahead of breech, double set triggers and iron triggerguard with fancy tang, varnished walnut stock with iron crescent buttplate having fancy toeplate, German silver barrel wedge escutcheon, brass forend cap. Plain cupped-end iron ramrod held by two iron thimbles. Condition is good to very good, with brown age patina to metal parts. Stock is solid having a nicely carved cheekpiece and 1.25'' losses at barrel tang and forend cap. Action is tight and crisp, bore appears clean with sharp rifling. Bottom flat of buttstock with clear ''US'' stamp: perhaps one of the 2,707 ''Common Sportsman Rifles'' purchased by the U.S. Gov't during 1861-62 for use in the Civil War (see Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms, pp. 685-686). John Joseph and James Henry of Philadelphia built this type of stout and utilitarian rifle for use on the Western frontier, and very conceivably the above military use as well. Rare thus. Est.: $1,800-$2,400. (Antique) (Joe Poyer collection)