Original Item: Only One Available. Just purchased at a recent antique auction! This is a very interesting percussion rifle, made in the "Ohio Style", with a massive .54" calibre bore! This style is somewhat similar to the "Pennsylvania" or "Kentucky" style, but is definitely more robust and less curved overall. The rifle features lovely all brass mountings, and features a 30 ¼ inch long octagonal barrel with a bore of about 0.54", with very deep 7 groove rifling that measures out to 0.60". Overall length is 47 inches, and the barrel is relatively heavy for accurate shooting, much like "bench rest" rifles of the day. It has an iron front blade side and a notch rear sight, and the top of the barrel is engraved with what we assume is the maker or owners name:

CHR. ZIMMERMAN A LIMVER

Some of the letters are engraved together, so we're not entirely sure of the location at the end of the marking. There also is some oxidation obscuring the last few letters. It may also be "LIMBVR", or something similar. Definitely a great opportunity for further research.

As with many rifles produced during this period, it is fitted with a "trade lock", in this case marked JOS'H GOLCHER on the bottom of the lock. JOSEPH GOLCHER was an English gunsmith based on KING STREET, DARLASTON in STAFFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND, who worked from 1830 to 1865. We have had several examples of "Pennsylvania rifles" bearing his fine locks. The lock plate also has some lovely line engraving around the edge, with some floral accents at the front and rear of the lock.

The rifle is in overall very good condition, with light wear commensurate with age and only light service. The bore is in very good condition, showing a partly bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is some past fouling and oxidation, as one would expect, but the rifling is still very strong, and the gun looks to have been well cared for. The metalwork shows a lovely aged patina, showing staining and peppering but not much major oxidation. The stock is lovely, looking to be made of sturdy American black walnut, with no major damage or repairs we can see. There is a wooden ramrod under the barrel, which looks to be a working life replacement, or not original to the gun.

A great "Big Bore" hunting rifle from the Ohio Area, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: approx. .54" with 7 groove rifling .03" deep
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 30 ¼ Inches
Overall Length: 47 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.