Original Item: Only One Available. Here is a very nice octagonal barreled "Kentucky" style rifle, which more correctly is known as a Pennsylvania Rifle. It is marked on the lock plate with LEMAN / LANCTR.PA, for maker HENRY E LEMAN, who worked in Lancaster from 1812 until 1887, and we feel this rifle started life as a Percussion weapon, and not a conversion from Flintlock. We do not see any other markings on the metalwork, which is not uncommon.

The rifle features a 37 inch long octagonal barrel with a bore of about 0.35", cut with heavy 7 groove rifling. Overall length is 53 1/4 inches, and the barrel is relatively heavy for accurate shooting, much like "bench rest" rifles of the day. It is half stocked with a white metal nose cap, very popular for rifles during this period. The stock is made from lovely "Flame" figured maple, which really pops in the light, a property known as "Chatoyancy". This desirable wood was plentiful during the 19th Century, found in the abundant maple trees of the time. The rifle is all brass mounted, with a "pistol grip" style trigger guard for a more secure hold, and a lovely brass patch box on the left side of the butt stock.

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 unfortunately disabled at present, however the front trigger is still able to discharge the lock with a strong trigger pull. As it was intended to have a set trigger, there is no half-cock position on the hammer. There is however a brass cup and fitting on the stock, intended to protect the wood from corrosive powder and primer gasses. The cap nipple cone does show some oxidation and corrosion, however it is still clear. We checked the bore, and the seven groove rifling is still easily visible. There is some past fouling and oxidation in the grooves, however the rifling is still strong, and there are no signs of major oxidation or other damage.

The stock is in very good shape, showing a lovely golden color from centuries of cleaning. These were often coated with a lacquer that darkened a lot over time, however this example is nice and light, we assume from being refinished at some point. The only damage we can see is some cracking of the wood near the barrel tang, a very common place to see this. There is a nice cheek piece carved into the left butt stock, typical of the German style. There is a wooden rod under the barrel, which is decorative only.

A most attractive and interesting Pennsylvania Long Rifle, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1850
Caliber: about 0.35" - Seven Groove Rifling
Cartridge Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 37 Inches
Overall Length: 53 1/4 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.