4083

JOSIAH BRADLEY SMITH PERCUSSION BENCH RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
JOSIAH BRADLEY SMITH PERCUSSION BENCH RIFLE.
Cal. 36. S# 95. Bbl. 31" heavyweight octagon measuring 1 3/16" across flats at muzzle. Top flat is marked "J.B. SMITH MAKER / NORTHFIELD, VT / WARRANTED / CAST STEEL / GAIN TWIST". Covered post front sight w/ strap-type adj. peep sight marked "J. DEMERITT". Engraved back action trade lock & hammer marked "GEOe GOLCHER". Breech end of bbl. has complimentary engraving. Double set triggers. Wedge fastened half-length stock of fancy walnut w/ pewter nose cap. German silver fittings consist of circular lid patchbox, crescent buttplate, toeplate, finger curl trigger guard, sideplate escutcheon, wedge escutcheons & rectangular wristplate. Brass tipped hardwood ramrod is held by two plain German silver pipes. WEIGHT: 13 lbs, 3.2 oz. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: false muzzle & brass bodied short starter. Also includes photo-copied info about gunmaker Josiah Bradley Smith & photo of Terry Tyler, author of "Vermont Gunsmiths & Gunmakers to 1900". CONDITION: bbl. retains most of its original browned finish showing spots of freckling. Lock has faded to gray. Stock shows scattered scratches & marks w/ repaired break through the lock area between the top tang & trigger plate. Left side of top tang has a repaired chip. Sound lock & triggers. Bore is bright retaining strong gain twist rifling. PROVENANCE: ex-collection of Terry Tyler. (01-25933/DS). ANTIQUE. $3,000-4,000.