Item:
ON11138

Original U.S. Pennsylvania Half Stocked Percussion Rifle with Ketland & Co. Trade Lock & Set Trigger c. 1840

Item Description

Original Item: Only one available. Here is an octagonal barreled "Kentucky" style rifle, which more correctly is known as a Pennsylvania Rifle. It looks to be in .39" caliber, a very common size for these rifles, and has a heavy octagonal barrel with seven groove rifling. The rifle was built in the United States using a percussion trade lock, which is marked KETLAND / & CO.. WILLIAM KETLAND is a recorded as working from 1740-1804 where after it became KETLAND & CO from 1804 until 1831. This lock looks older than the rest of the rifle, so it was probably transplanted from a previously made firearm and converted to percussion.

We estimate that this octagonal barrel rifle was made about 1840,  and it features all brass mounts except for the white metal nose cap. The half length stock is made of very highly figured "Tiger" or "Flamed" maple, and has a lovely carved "scroll" on both sides of the buttstock. There are also some moon inlays and other metal decorations set into the wood.

Looking at the stock and lock plate, we feel that this rifle was most likely originally made in flintlock, and later converted to percussion. Interestingly the rifle is fitted with a "set trigger", where depressing the rear trigger first until it clicks and pulling back the hammer allows a gentle push on the front trigger to discharge the weapon, hopefully with great accuracy. It is functional at present, but also a bit finicky due to age. The rifle also still has both front and rear sights, and a ramrod, though it is just for display.

A real part of American Frontier History. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1840
Caliber: approx .39" seven groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 37 Inches

Overall Length: 53 1/2Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

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