Half Stock Percussion Long Rifle by Solomon H. Ward Jamestown, NC
Item #: AA3136
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This is a half stock percussion long rifle from the 1860's - 1870's. This rifle measures 62 1/2" in length with a 46 1/2" octagon barrel. The top barrel flat is stamped V S.H. WARD JAMESTOWN NC just behind the rear sight. Solomon H. Ward was born in 1838 and died in 1905. He was one of the last of Jamestown gunmakers, producing percussion long rifles from 1865 to 1884. The barrel has an untouched dark patina with a smooth surface, light pitting and no surface rust present. The barrel is retained to the stock by iron pins and three tang screws. The bore is .39 caliber and is dark, but is not pitted and shows very strong rifling. The rear buck horn style sight is dovetailed into the barrel 8 1/2" forward of the breech. The front sight is a German silver blade design dovetailed into the barrel. The two brass ramrod thimbles are securely soldered onto the barrel. The lock plate is marked with TRUITT BROS & Co/WARRANTED along with floral designs and a pheasant. The Truitt brothers were importers and wholesale dealers located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The mechanics of the lock are not functioning correctly. The hammer will not hold in the cocked position. The trigger and set trigger are present, and work just like they did when new. The trigger guard, butt plate, nose cap and ram rod thimbles are made of brass. All brass hardware exhibits a medium mustard patina. The barrel and lock have a matching dark patina. The stock is a medium brown color, and gets progressively darker towards the butt plate. There is a small section of wood missing along the right side barrel channel just forward of the nipple. There is also some wood loss just behind the nipple, caused from firing this old smoke pole repeatedly. There is also a small imperfection on the left side of the stock along the barrel channel. I believe this has always been present since the gun was made. With these exceptions the barrel channel edges are crisp, and there are no stress cracks in the stock. This old long rifle has been around since the mid 1800's, and has managed to survive intact and displays beautifully. It would be a nice addition to any long rifle collection.
Shipping Weight:
13 lbs
Item # AA3136
(Sold)
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