Original Item: Only One Available. Just purchased at a recent military auction! This is a very nice "Pennsylvania" hunting rifle, often referred to as a "Kentucky" rifle. The design developed in Pennsylvania, and then spread down the Ohio River Valley to Kentucky, where it was very popular. This is an interesting example, which has been modified several times during its life, both to keep up with the times, and possibly to repurpose it. The rifle was definitely originally made as a flintlock, and we can still see traces of where the pan and frizzen used to be. The rifle has also been reduced in length, probably by at least 12 inches, and the stock was cut down further and a rib soldered to the bottom, which has left a lot of extra solder hanging on the side of the joint. The stock was cut down as well, and it may have originally been full length. Definitely some interesting aspects to examine!

In spite of the alterations, the rifle still has a beautiful "tiger" or "flame" figured maple stock, a very common wood to use on Pennsylvania rifles. The stock is quite thin with a lovely gently sweeping curve, which along with the ornate side plate around the patch box cover is a hallmark of the Lancaster area. The rifle features all brass mountings, including a lovely patch box on the right side of the stock, opened by pulling up the end. It also has a lovely oval "German Silver" escutcheon on the back of the wrist, and there is also a "moon" shaped decoration on the left butt stock cheek piece.

The rifle features a 24 inch long octagonal barrel with a bore of about 0.35", a typical bore measurement that we see these in, which features 7 groove rifling. Overall length is 39 inches, and the barrel is relatively heavy for accurate shooting, much like "bench rest" rifles of the day. It has a "German Silver" front blade side and a simple notch rear sight, both of which have probably been replaced over the years.

As with most hunting rifles, this example is fitted with a "set trigger", where depressing the rear trigger first until it clicks and just touching the front trigger discharges the weapon, hopefully with great accuracy. It is functional at present, and the hammer cannot be cocked at all until the rear trigger is set. There is no half cock position either with or without the set trigger, and we are not sure if this is correct.

The rifle is in overall very good condition considering the alterations, with wear commensurate with age and long service. There are definitely cracks and past repairs, especially near the lock plate and barrel tang, where wood is missing due to powder erosion. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There is some past oxidation and fouling in the grooves, so it definitely did see a good amount of use.

The metalwork shows an oxidized dark gray patina overall, and past oxidation and cleaning has removed any markings that were present. There is a replica ramrod under the barrel, definitely not intended for use. The stock still has some lovely chatoyancy from the flame maple, and the cheek piece on the left side is definitely nice. This must have been a real show piece when new.

A very nice Pennsylvania Percussion converted rifle with a long history. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1835
Caliber: approx. .35" with 7 groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 24 Inches
Overall Length: 39 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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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.