{"product_id":"original-u-s-circa-1850-engraved-double-barrel-percussion-cape-combination-gun-with-rifle-amp-shotgun-barrels-lansingburgh-new-york-with-e-hutchings-co-baltimore-retail-mark","title":"Original U.S. Circa 1850 Engraved Double Barrel Percussion Cape Combination Gun with Rifle \u0026amp; Shotgun Barrels - Lansingburgh, New York with E. Hutchings \u0026 Co. Baltimore Retail Mark","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is a particularly handsome and unusual \u003cstrong\u003eAmerican made percussion Cape Gun\u003c\/strong\u003e, combining a .43 caliber rifled barrel and approximately 30 bore smoothbore shotgun barrel in a single side by side sporting arm. Dating to approximately 1850 and marked for manufacture in \u003cstrong\u003eLansingburgh, New York\u003c\/strong\u003e, with an additional \u003cstrong\u003eE. HUTCHINGS \u0026amp; Co AGENTS BALTIMORE\u003c\/strong\u003e retail marking, this was clearly an upmarket sporting gun intended for a prosperous 19th century hunter. Its engraved nickel silver furniture, spring loaded game engraved patchbox, sculpted trigger guard, hunter’s star stock inlay, double sighting systems, set trigger arrangement, fine walnut half stock, and original appearing brass fitted combination ramrod all point to a much higher grade arm than an ordinary working shotgun. American made Cape Guns are considerably less commonly encountered than their European counterparts, making this an especially interesting example of the sophisticated sporting arms produced in the Hudson River gunmaking region during the percussion era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA combination gun gave a 19th century sportsman something extremely useful in an era before interchangeable cartridge firearms became commonplace: \u003cstrong\u003etwo very different hunting capabilities in one gun\u003c\/strong\u003e. One barrel could be rifled for a single projectile and larger game, while the other remained smoothbore for shot and birds or small game. For a hunter traveling through country where the day’s quarry was uncertain, carrying one firearm capable of performing both roles offered obvious practical advantages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe side by side version became popularly known as the \u003cstrong\u003eCape Gun\u003c\/strong\u003e, a name strongly associated with sporting use in southern Africa, particularly the Cape region, where hunters could encounter an enormous variety of game. The terminology eventually became widely used for side by side rifle and shotgun combination guns regardless of where they were manufactured or used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEuropean Cape Guns are most strongly associated with British, German, Austrian, and Belgian makers. This example is particularly interesting because it is unmistakably marked as an \u003cstrong\u003eAmerican product from Lansingburgh, New York\u003c\/strong\u003e, an important 19th century gunmaking center immediately north of Troy on the Hudson River.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two barrels are approximately the same external size but perform different functions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eleft barrel\u003c\/strong\u003e is a smoothbore approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e30 Bore - about 0.537\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eright barrel\u003c\/strong\u003e is rifled approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.43\" caliber\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewith:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8 groove rifling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis right side rifle arrangement resembles the configuration frequently encountered on German and Austrian Cape Guns. The front trigger is associated with the rifle barrel and incorporates a \u003cstrong\u003esingle set trigger\u003c\/strong\u003e mechanism intended to provide a lighter, more precise trigger pull when taking a carefully aimed rifle shot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe barrel assembly measures:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e32 3\/4 Inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe top rib carries a lengthy maker and retailer inscription. Unfortunately, the first portion is substantially worn and cannot presently be read with confidence. What remains visible is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e???????AKER LANSINGBURGH N.Y. E. HUTCHINGS \u0026amp; Co AGENTS BALTIMORE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eLANSINGBURGH N.Y.\u003c\/strong\u003e portion provides an important geographic connection to one of upstate New York’s notable early gunmaking communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLansingburgh developed a substantial firearms industry during the first half of the 19th century. The Caswell family was among the best known gunmaking families associated with the town, and the neighboring Troy region also became famous for high quality sporting rifles and combination guns, most notably through the work of gunmaker Nelson Lewis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original attribution of this gun to \u003cstrong\u003eJohn M. Caswell\u003c\/strong\u003e is intriguing but cannot presently be confirmed. The visible portion of the maker’s name appears to terminate in \u003cstrong\u003e“AKER,”\u003c\/strong\u003e while the missing section toward the breech is too badly worn to establish the complete name. We therefore prefer to leave the maker unidentified rather than attribute an important American sporting arm to a specific craftsman without a readable signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second portion of the inscription reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE. HUTCHINGS \u0026amp; Co AGENTS BALTIMORE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis indicates that the gun was retailed or represented through E. Hutchings \u0026amp; Co. in Baltimore. The presence of both a Lansingburgh manufacturing location and a Baltimore agent is a fascinating illustration of the commercial networks through which high grade American sporting arms were sold during the middle of the 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe barrels were removed for inspection, and only a few additional unidentified markings were observed underneath. No marking found there allowed us to establish the manufacturer conclusively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe quality of the furniture immediately distinguishes this as an expensive sporting gun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuch of the furniture is executed in beautifully engraved \u003cstrong\u003enickel silver\u003c\/strong\u003e rather than ordinary iron or plain brass. The decorative work incorporates hunting imagery and traditional scroll motifs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe butt contains a particularly attractive \u003cstrong\u003espring loaded patchbox\u003c\/strong\u003e. A concealed release button is positioned on the bottom of the stock, and pressing it releases the hinged cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe patchbox lid is engraved with a detailed \u003cstrong\u003egame bird scene\u003c\/strong\u003e, perfectly appropriate for a combination hunting gun capable of taking both feathered and larger game.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional game bird engraving appears on the ornate pistol grip style trigger guard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe remaining decorative fittings use attractive \u003cstrong\u003eacanthus leaf motifs\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving the gun a coordinated engraving scheme rather than a collection of unrelated ornament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left side cheekpiece is further decorated with an inlaid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ehunter’s star\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eanother classic feature of higher grade American sporting rifles of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gun is equipped with separate sighting arrangements appropriate to its dual purpose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA simple ball style front sight positioned toward the center provides a practical sighting reference for the smoothbore shotgun barrel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifled right barrel is provided with its own:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003enotch rear sight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eblade front sight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eallowing considerably more precise aiming when the rifle barrel was used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two side action percussion locks remain present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eleft lock\u003c\/strong\u003e, serving the smoothbore barrel, is mechanically functional. It holds correctly at half cock and releases from full cock when the trigger is pulled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eright lock\u003c\/strong\u003e, serving the rifle barrel, is not presently functioning correctly. It can be brought to full cock but releases immediately rather than remaining securely engaged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle side incorporates a:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003esingle set trigger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewhich presently appears to be out of adjustment. The relationship between the trigger adjustment and the right lock issue has not been determined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe percussion nipple cones are in very good condition but appear to be replacements. The left nipple does not thread completely into its bolster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bores are unusually attractive for a percussion sporting gun of this age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe approximately 30 bore smoothbore barrel appears to have been \u003cstrong\u003ethoroughly cleaned relatively recently\u003c\/strong\u003e. The interior may possibly have been honed, although we cannot confirm that. It is presently in very good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe .43 caliber rifle barrel is likewise in excellent visual condition, retaining a bright bore with clearly defined:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8 groove rifling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased upon its present appearance, the rifled bore does not appear to have suffered the extensive black powder corrosion frequently encountered in percussion sporting arms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gun is stocked in a very attractive \u003cstrong\u003ewalnut half stock\u003c\/strong\u003e with excellent natural color and grain. The left side incorporates the previously mentioned cheekpiece and hunter’s star inlay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stock shows the expected handling and service wear of a sporting arm approximately 175 years old but remains especially attractive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRamrod pipes are mounted beneath the barrel assembly, and a fine brass fitted wooden ramrod remains present. It appears entirely consistent with the gun and may well be original.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe brass ramming head can be unscrewed to reveal a concealed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eclearing worm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis type of multi-purpose ramrod fitting was a thoughtful and useful feature on a muzzleloading sporting gun, allowing the shooter to retrieve patches, wadding, or other material from the bore when necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of a shotgun and rifle in one arm reflected a style of hunting that largely disappeared with the development of inexpensive repeating and cartridge firearms. In the percussion era, however, an individual traveling into rural or wilderness areas could not simply carry an assortment of specialized guns. A well made combination gun offered versatility without requiring a second long arm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example also represents an interesting chapter in \u003cstrong\u003eAmerican sporting gun manufacture\u003c\/strong\u003e. While the Cape Gun is normally associated with European makers, craftsmen in the Hudson River and Troy-Lansingburgh region were producing highly sophisticated target rifles, hunting rifles, and rifle-shotgun combinations during the middle decades of the 19th century. The level of engraving and stock work on this example demonstrates that American customers could order sporting arms every bit as individual and elaborate as imported European pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its \u003cstrong\u003eLansingburgh, New York manufacture marking, Baltimore agent inscription, .43 caliber eight groove rifle barrel, 30 bore smoothbore barrel, extensive nickel silver engraving, game bird decorated spring loaded patchbox, hunter’s star stock inlay, set trigger, fine walnut half stock, and brass fitted ramrod with concealed worm\u003c\/strong\u003e, this is an especially attractive example of an American percussion combination gun. The unidentified maker, replacement nipple cones, imperfectly seated left nipple, malfunctioning right lock, out of adjustment set trigger, possible bore honing, and worn barrel inscription are fully disclosed. It would make a superb addition to an advanced American sporting arms, New York gunmaking, percussion firearm, Cape Gun, or mid-19th century hunting collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1850\u003cbr\u003eShotgun Caliber: 30 Bore - about 0.537\"\u003cbr\u003eRifle Caliber: 0.43\" with 8 groove rifling\u003cbr\u003eCartridge Type: Lead Shot\/ball and Powder\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 32 3\/4 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 48 1\/2 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Side Action Percussion Locks\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Muzzle Loading\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44839492059205,"sku":"ONJR26FERA031","price":1595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR26FERA031.jpg?v=1775070359","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-circa-1850-engraved-double-barrel-percussion-cape-combination-gun-with-rifle-amp-shotgun-barrels-lansingburgh-new-york-with-e-hutchings-co-baltimore-retail-mark","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}