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
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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