Original Item: Only One Available. Just purchased at a recent military auction! This is a very nice heavy barreled "Pennsylvania" percussion target 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 a great example, with a full length "tiger flame" maple stock and all brass mounts. Even better, it is fitted with a very rare 18 inch brass "sun shield", which slides onto the top of the barrel. This allows for much easier sighting in the sun, without any distractions from the light or movement on the sides.

The rifle features a 32 inch long octagonal barrel with 8 groove rifling and a bore of .50", one of the larger sizes seen for Pennsylvania rifles. Overall length is 48 1/2" and the barrel is very heavy for accurate shooting, much like "bench rest" rifles of the day. With the sunshield on, it weights 10.2lbs, while only 8.6 without it. The rear of the barrel has been fitted with a flip up "peep" sight, attached to a spring with a height adjustment wedge. There was most likely some type of globe front sight previously, however it is missing, with just the brass base remaining in the dovetail.

As with many rifles produced during this period, it is fitted with a "trade lock", in this case marked TRUITT BROS & CO. Research indicates that Truitt Brothers & Company operated in Philadelphia as "Importers and wholesale dealers in foreign and domestic hardware". They are listed as operating during the 1850s and 1860s, and it is very possible that the lock is in fact a British trade lock, marked by the company before sale.

The top facet of the barrel is stamped on the breech end with Wm CRAIG PITTSBURGH, for known gunmaker William Craig, who worked in Pennsylvania during the 1850s, associated with Daniel J. McDonald and Iron City Gun Works. Pittsburgh was known as "Iron City" at the time, and we have seen other guns made by this smith. Definitely some nice research potential here.

As with most target and sharpshooter 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 fully functional at present, and the rear trigger must be "set" before the lock will fire at all. There is no half cock position due to this.

The rifle is in overall very good condition, with wear commensurate with age and service. The stocks on "Pennsylvania" style rifles are somewhat thin, so cracking is common and this example is no exception, especially with the heavy barren and heavy brass sunshield. It cracked through the wrist long ago, and has a period repairs that is VERY well executed with four iron straps and brass flathead screws. Otherwise the stock is lovely, finished with dark lacquer that is then sanded back a bit to give a lovely "Tiger Eye" look. The bore is in very good condition, with with strong rifling and a bright finish. It does show some wear and past oxidation, so this rifle definitely did see some level of use during its service life. There is metal fitted wooden cleaning rod installed, which definitely looks to be a period original.

Beautifully executed and very desirable with the rare press-fit brass sun shade. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1855
Caliber: approx .50" eight groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 48 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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