^Lot 802 W. Cooper Halfstock Plains Rifle

Antique American Halfstock Percussion Plains Rifle, by W. Cooper, NVSN, .38 cal., 34.5'' heavy octagonal barrel marked ''W. Cooper'' on top flat with a dovetailed low blade front sight and dovetailed adjustable buckhorn style rear sight; percussion lockplate with engraved oval vignette of pheasants at rear and marked ''Goulcher'' amid a floral spray (partly obscured by pitting); brass furniture includes a large patchbox with hinged lid, buttplate with long bottom extension, sideplate, fancy triggerguard and three octagonal ramrod ferrules. Double set triggers. The artificially tiger-striped maple stock has six diamond inlays, a vacant circular nameplate behind barrel tang, and sunburst on its carved cheekpiece, all in German silver, and a large pewter nosecap. Made ca. mid-19th Century. Condition is very good, barrel having a dark age patina with moderate pitting at nipple area, lock with a gray-brown patina and erosion at drum; triggerguard, patchbox and buttplate with a cleaned patina. Stock shows a few scattered dings and honest age with a loss at nipple, a 1'' crack emanating from front of lockplate, and another to rear of nosecap, but is sound with nice color; hardwood ramrod is a likely replacement. Action is tight; bore is dirty but with deep rifling. This is just the type of rifle that traveled West with the pioneers, carrying out America's Manifest Destiny wherever it went. Est: $450-$850. (Antique)