^Lot 618 Antique American Halfstock Perc. Plains Rifle

Antique American Halfstock Percussion Plains Style Sporting Rifle Converted From Original Flintlock, NVSN, approx. .36 cal., 33-5/8'' heavyweight octagonal barrel with dovetailed front blade sight (plus small hole within engraved area at top of muzzle, perhaps for an original post-type sight) and adjustable open rear sight; unmarked flush-mounted steel lockplate which appears to have had its upper portion, including pan and frizzen assembly, removed at the time of conversion to percussion using a simple bolster with nipple and lightly engraved hammer; double set triggers; brass furniture including triggerguard with rear finger rest and fancy pineapple front finial; patchbox with hinged door opening to trap containing a few linen patches, crescent buttplate with long lower tang having a fancy upper finial, and lower ramrod finial (two upper finials appear to be iron); German silver stock decorations including a recumbent stag inlay on left cheekpiece, fancy upper buttplate tang extension, ornately shaped sideplate, and large rectangular stock rest under the two oval barrel wedge escutcheons; pewter nosecap; hardwood ramrod with brass tip; gracefully-shaped and beautifully and tightly grained walnut halfstock having a carved left-side cheekpiece. Condition is very good, the barrel and lockplate having a smooth (perhaps later) pleasing brown finish, the brass with a glossy (perhaps originally gold or brass plated) finish, the German silver a natural light patina. Stock is smooth and solid having nice color with an oil-stained finish and showing just a bit of age darkening in bolster area. All stock inlays are present and fit tightly, screw head slots are clean, nipple is a modern replacement, middle barrel tang screw is missing. Action functions when rear trigger is pushed forward; bore is shiny and clean with deep rifling. Est.: $600-$800. (Antique)