^Lot 54 Perc. Heavy Barrel Plains Rifle-Slotterbek

Antique American Percussion Heavy Barrel Plains or Buffalo Rifle, by Slotterbek & Co., Phila., NVSN, approx. .54 cal., 35'' heavy octagonal barrel with dovetailed blade front and buckhorn rear sights marked ''Slotterbek & Co. Phila.'' on top flat, has two platinum bands at breech and a floral engraved top tang; serpentine lockplate is marked ''Slotterbek/& Co. Phila.'' between two floral engraved areas behind hammer; double set triggers; brass scrolled triggerguard with rear finger rest and crescent buttplate having a separate bottom tang; oil-stained walnut halfstock with carved cheekpiece, checkering at wrist, a single barrel key with German silver oval escutcheons, and German silver nose cap; brass-tipped hardwood ramrod retained by two iron ferrules. Mfg'd ca. 1850s-60s. Condition is very good, the steel parts being a smooth gunmetal gray with sharp edges, clear markings, and light black powder pitting at breech; the brass a light age patina. Stock is solid and smooth with good checkering, pleasing color and perhaps a later satin finish; the lower buttplate tang in need of re-fitting. Action functions; bore is shiny with deep rifling. The product of a well-known maker, this is the type of plain, sturdy and serviceable rifle that would have been carried by the buffalo trade and other pioneer market hunters. Est.: $2,500-$3,500. (Antique)