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New Orleans Fullstock Percussion Schuetzen Rifle by Louis Gerteis with Attractive Dolphin Motifs

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,100.00 USD Estimated At:NA
New Orleans Fullstock Percussion Schuetzen Rifle by Louis Gerteis with Attractive Dolphin Motifs
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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2024 Nov 23 @ 09:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
.59 cal, 35'' heavy octagon barrel with a mostly bright very good plus bore showing some light oxidation in the grooves, some more noticeable pitting nearer the muzzle, and otherwise strong rifling throughout. The barrel of this handsome rifle shows an old cleaning and is now mostly a medium gray-brown patina with smoothed-over remnants of pinprick pitting and some old oxidation staining. The top flat markings have softened somewhat but remains legible ''L. GERTEIS NEW ORLEANS'' and the long breech tang is embellished in full coverage with attractive foliate scrollwork. The back action island lockplate shows remnants of silvery case-hardening and is very spartan bearing just ''L. GERTEIS'' marking and equipped with a dolphin hammer. The barrel is secured with three wedges through nice foliate-bordered escutcheons. The remaining fittings are very attractive and quite ornate consisting of two thimbles and tailpipe of very heavy wide construction featuring triple reeded bands, fancy foliate tailpipe extension, fancy triggerguard with lovely hand-detachable rear screw featuring a pierced floral head, and lovely foliate-embellished schuetzen buttplate. Perhaps most prominently featured are the beautifully detailed dolphins ahead and behind the triggerguard and acting as a toe plate while the lock screw escutcheon features an artistic siren motif. The checkered walnut stock features a heavy horn tip and remains in very fine condition showing some scattered light dings and handling marks, the checkering strong and the wood exhibiting nice figure throughout. The sling swivels are missing and the lock screw appears to be a later replacement. The original heavy horn-tipped hickory ramrod is present and the barrel has a pair of vacant rear sight dovetails while the front sight base is intact but the blade insert has been lost to the years and there is a vacant hole ahead of the triggerguard for mounting a palm rest. The action features a fine hair firing trigger with ornate pierced stop and rear curved set trigger, the lock however will require mechanical attention as it does not set and drop the hammer properly. This very handsome rifle features some really wonderful little details and is a fine example of New Orleans heavy big bore percussion rifle. Louis Gerteis was active from around 1855-1879. (13C11804-19) {ANTIQUE} [Dale Beeks Collection] (3000/5000)