{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-era-william-billinghurst-half-stock-underhammer-percussion-target-rifle-with-heavy-39-caliber-octagonal-barrel-and-stuck-bullet-starter-circa-1861","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Era William Billinghurst Half Stock Underhammer Percussion Target Rifle with Heavy .39 Caliber Octagonal Barrel and Stuck Bullet Starter, circa 1860","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Civil War era half stocked underhammer percussion target rifle made by William Billinghurst of Rochester, New York, circa 1860. Built with an exceptionally heavy 30 1\/2\" octagonal barrel, .39\" rifled bore, globe front sight, and a fitted bullet starter, it is a substantial example of the specialized target and bench rifles produced during the mid-19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. It is sold as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or evaluated by a professional gunsmith. The mechanical and bore observations below describe only its present condition and do not establish that it is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle has a 30 1\/2\" octagonal barrel with six groove rifling and a bore measuring approximately .39\". Overall length is 46 3\/4\". The barrel measures approximately 1.45\" across the flats, with walls thicker than the diameter of the bore itself. The complete rifle weighs approximately 17 pounds, giving it the mass and stability associated with period target and bench rest shooting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe top barrel flat near the breech is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eW. BILLINGHURST\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eROCHESTER, N Y.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo additional markings were located during inspection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWilliam Billinghurst was a well regarded Rochester gunmaker known for underhammer target rifles and precision shooting arms. He was also associated with competitive marksmanship and the development of revolving firearms. He is listed in \u003cem\u003eAmerican Gun Makers\u003c\/em\u003e by Arkadi Gluckmann as an \"Internationally famous maker and match shooter.\" This rifle’s heavy barrel, specialized sights, and bullet starter are consistent with the type of carefully built target arm for which his work is recognized.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle is fitted with a bullet starter at the muzzle. This device was intended to begin the projectile squarely and consistently into the rifling before it entered the bore, helping protect the muzzle and improve loading uniformity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe starter has four posts that align with four corresponding holes at the muzzle. It is currently only partially installed and is seized in place. No attempt has been made to force or remove it. The raised handle of the starter presently obstructs the front sight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sighting arrangement consists of a simple notched rear sight mounted on the top of the barrel and a globe front sight positioned within a long tubular housing. A hole through the stock and tang area, together with a thumbscrew tightening wheel beneath the rifle, indicates that a long range peep or tang sight was once fitted. That sight is now absent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo ramrod pipes are mounted along the left side of the barrel. The rear pipe near the breech is broken off, and no ramrod is present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe underhammer percussion action remains mechanically functional. The hammer cocks and releases correctly, though no half cock position was observed. This is only a description of the present mechanical operation and is not a representation that the rifle is safe to fire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe percussion nipple, or cone, remains present but shows substantial wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stock appears to be walnut and has developed an attractive matured color. It displays notable curl and figure in the grain, particularly through the butt stock. Overall condition is very good, with wear consistent with age, handling, and use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore remains in good condition for its age. The six groove rifling is clearly visible, though fouling and oxidation remain from past black powder use and long term storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeavy target rifles of this general type were used by civilian marksmen before and during the Civil War era. Similar accurate sporting and target rifles were sometimes carried by Union sharpshooters, particularly before standardized military sharpshooter arms became widely available. No documentation accompanies this rifle connecting it to military service or a specific marksman, so any Civil War use remains unconfirmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its massive 30 1\/2\" Billinghurst marked octagonal barrel, .39\" six groove bore, approximately 17 pound weight, figured walnut stock, globe sight, surviving bullet starter, and distinctive underhammer action, this is an impressive example of a mid-19th century American precision rifle. The seized starter, obstructed front sight, missing peep sight and ramrod, broken rear ramrod pipe, worn nipple, bore fouling, and oxidation are fully disclosed. It would be especially well suited to a William Billinghurst, American target rifle, underhammer firearm, Civil War era arms, or 19th century competitive shooting collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: circa 1860\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: approx .39\" six groove rifling\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Ball and Powder\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 30 1\/2 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 46 3\/4 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Side Action Percussion Lock\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Muzzle Loading\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45433205555269,"sku":"ONAC25209","price":1995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONAC25209.jpg?v=1785525323","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-era-william-billinghurst-half-stock-underhammer-percussion-target-rifle-with-heavy-39-caliber-octagonal-barrel-and-stuck-bullet-starter-circa-1861","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}