Item:
ONJR23RNJ072

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Original U.S. Southern Virginia Style Long Rifle with Set Trigger and British Lock by Joseph Golcher - Pewter Nose Cap & Tobacco Tags on Stock c. 1840

Regular price $1,295.00

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Compare at $1,595.00

Item Description

Original Item: Only one available. This is a gorgeous Southern Virginia Long Rifle that was found in Carroll County, Virginia. This rifle was assembled in the United States, namely Southern Virginia, using a British Trade percussion lock made by JOSEPH GOLCHER of KING STREET, DARLASTON in STAFFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND, who worked from 1834 to 1865. We estimate that this octagonal barrel rifle was made about 1840.

It features all brass mounts except for the nose cap, which is pewter, and the toe plate, which is iron. The very heavy octagonal barrel is 41 inches in length and has a .35" bore, a common size for these rifles, and it has 7 groove rifling. The overall length is 57 inches. The Rifle also is equipped with a double set trigger, which does not work correctly. The lock, as discussed above, is of British make, and is marked JOSEPH GOLCHER. The lock is in rough shape and is missing the cap nipple. The hammer is also not working correctly, only holding at half-cock and firing. The lock plate is a bit loose.

We have had several examples of "Pennsylvania rifles" bearing his fine locks, but this is the first Virginia example we have seen. The lock plate also has some lovely floral line engraving, though it is heavily worn in places.

The barrel nocks form is heavily worn from powder burn and is missing a small bit of wood around this area. The carved pewter nose cap is a great addition and adds a lot of character to the rifle. What adds even more character are the three gorgeous tobacco tags embedded in the buttstock, with one reading Eureka, another reading B.F. Graverly & Co., and the third reading J.T.. These are a fantastic bit of personal touch and likely date to the mid-to-late 19th century.

The butt stock has a nice small cheek piece on the left hand side, and the right side has a nice patch box with the original cover still intact. The gorgeous walnut stock is in great shape without any serious cracks or damage, just the usual powder burn and storage wear.

As mentioned, this example is fitted with a "set trigger", where depressing the rear trigger first until it clicks and just touching the front trigger discharges the weapon, hopefully with great accuracy. Unfortunately, it is currently out of adjustment, and does not set correctly. The hammer still can be cocked, but it looks to only reach half cock, and can be fired with the standard trigger. The bore is in good shape, with strong rifling, with just some light wear and oxidation. There is a simple wooden cleaning rod installed, which is just for display.

A very nice example of a mid 19th Century Southern Virginia long rifle, ready to restore or add to your collection!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1840
Caliber: approx .35" seven groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 41 Inches
Overall Length: 57 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1850
Caliber: approx .36" seven groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 37 ¾ Inches

Overall Length: 54 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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