Item:
ONSV4133

Original U.S. Pennsylvania Percussion Rifle by J. Hillegas with British Trade Lock - circa 1840

Item Description

Original Item: One of a Kind. This just came out of the attic after a hundred years of storage together with a couple of hundred other guns. Here is an octagonal barreled Rifled "Kentucky" style rifle, which more correctly is known as a Pennsylvania Rifle. It was actually constructed using a BRITISH TRADE percussion lock mechanism, which is marked JOSEPH / GOLCHER on the plate. Joseph Golcher of King Street, Darlston, Staffordshire, England was a British gunsmith who worked between 1834 and 1865.

This Imported Trade Percussion lock was then acquired by American Gunsmith, whose name is stamped onto the top of the barrel:

J. HILLEGAS
POTTSVILLE

Gunsmith Joseph Hillegas of Pottsville, Pennsylvania manufactured rifles from 1810 to 1841, and examples are scarce today. He crafted this long rifle using the imported trade lock, and set it very nicely into this stock with a heavy 35 1/2" octagonal Barrel in about .45 Caliber. It is 51" in overall length.

The hook butt plate, trigger guard and small side plate are made of brass. The rifle is half stocked and retains an all wood ramrod. Looking down the barrel it is hard to still see the rifling as this may have been poorly bored out maybe after wearing out it was bored out to be used as a birding shotgun.

Most attractive and ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1840
Caliber: approx .45" - now smooth bore
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 35 1/2 Inches

Overall Length: 51 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.

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

    This product is available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

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