Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a Mid 19th Century American Double Barrel Hunting rifle, made in the very desirable "Over and Under" configuration. It has two fixed octagonal 33 inch long .43 caliber barrels with six-groove rifling, though interestingly while the upper barrel has a regular rate of twist, the lower barrel looks almost to have straight rifling. It is not fitted with a wooden fore stock, only a walnut butt stock with a carved-in cheekpiece on the left side. This is fitted with a heavily hooked brass butt plate, and also has a fantastic Nickel Silver eagle inlaid atop the cheek piece. The right side has a lovely circular patch box (empty), with a lovely rhomboid shaped surround.

The two back action locks each carry some lovely acanthus leaf engraving, and there is additional engraving on the back strap of the barrel tang. The brass "pistol grip" style trigger guard made of encloses Set triggers, which service both barrels. The set trigger mechanism works fairly well at present, and the hammers cannot be fired at all until the rear trigger is set, so there is no half-cock position as a result. In fact, the left lock will not even cock until the trigger is set. Barrel choice was accomplished by leaving one or the other un-cocked. Both can be fired simultaneously if desired, but we doubt that was the intended use.

The metalwork is overall in very good condition, with the barrel showing strong bluing, and the locks both polished bright steel. We do however believe that it was refinished, as we can see cleaning marks and dents under the finish. The stock is in good shape overall without any serious damage such as cracks, chunks missing, or repairs. The bores of both barrels are in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with strong lands and grooves. There is some wear and past oxidation and fouling, now removed, but they both look to have been well cared for and have plenty of life left. There are pipes for ramrods on both side of the barrels, however there is only a ramrod on the right side, which is fitted with brass.

This is a gorgeous example of an percussion over & under rifle with some great engraving and potential for future research. Ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1850
Caliber: approx .43 with 6 double groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 33 Inches
Overall Length: 48 3/4 Inches
Action type: Back Action Percussion Locks
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.