Original Item: Only One Available. Just purchased at a recent military auction! This is a very nice U.S. Civil War era heavy barreled percussion target rifle, typical of those used by early Yankee / Union sharpshooters during the conflict. The design is somewhat reminiscent of the "Pennsylvania" or "Kentucky" rifles of the time, but it is definitely a bit less curved and more robust in shape. It features a 30 inch long half-octagon barrel with 6 groove rifling and a bore of .35", one of the typical sizes in use at the time. Overall length is 46" and the barrel is VERY heavy for accurate shooting, much like "bench rest" rifles of the day, and in this case the barrel walls are just as wide as the bore!

This example looks to have come from the Massachusetts area, as it is signed on the lock plate with J·HAPGOOD, for known maker Jaob Hapgood, who operated in the Shrewsbury area outside of Boston, starting his business in approximately 1834 after leaving the Shrewsbury Rifle Company. Initially, Joab made New England flintlock rifles and smoothbores, both full stock and half stock models, as well as fowling pieces and pistols. Around 1842, he began to manufacture percussion type guns. In 1847 he moved his retail business from Shrewsbury to Boston to become an importer, manufacturer and dealer of guns, pistols, revolvers and sporting goods. We estimate this example was made around 1850, before the move to Boston

The rifle is fitted with all "German Silver" fittings, most of which are engraved with with lovely designs, including a hunting hound on the bottom of the trigger guard. The lock plate is also engraved, and it is functional, though a hard trigger pull can cause it to fire at half cock. These often come fitted with long range sights, and this example is no exception, having been fitted with a lovely "globe" front sight with a "ball on pin" inside, and the rear sight is an aperture sight in a tube, set back on a long spring over the barrel tang. There is a small threaded adjustment on the barrel tang, which is currently frozen. We can also see that there were other sights fitted in the past. It is typical of sights that were used during the mid 19th century. 

The rifle is in overall very good condition, with wear commensurate with age and service.  The stock looks to be walnut, and has a lovely deep red brown color, looking to have been varnished long ago. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish, with just a bit of wear evident. It was definitely well cared for during its service life. There is no ramrod under the barrel.

This fine rifle has a good chance of being one of many pressed into service in the early part of the Civil War by the Union. A very fine example in very collectable condition.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1850
Caliber: approx .35" five groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 46 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.

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.