^Lot 766 Target or Market Hunter's Plains-Style Perc. Rifle

Antique Heavy Barrel Target or Market Hunter's Plains-Style Percussion Rifle, NVSN, .44 cal., 41'' heavyweight octagonal barrel with dovetailed hooded peep-style front, plugged dovetail rear, and Lyman adjustable peep tang sights; serpentine sideplate with an engraved marshland scene of a pointer dog and waterbirds marked ''Joseph Golcher'' within a curved ribbon, floral engraved hammer; brass furniture including scrolled sideplate, triggerguard having two finger rests, crescent buttplate with long top and bottom tangs, and two barrel key escutcheons; a nicely-shaped German silver patchbox with hinged door opening to trap in buttstock containing an extra ramrod tip; pewter nosecap; double set triggers; varnished walnut halfstock having a nicely carved cheek rest, aprons on either side of lock, and wrist; brass-tipped hickory ramrod retained by two brass ferrules. Condition is very good, the steel surfaces being a smooth gunmetal gray color, the brass and German silver with a light patina. Stock is smooth and solid showing only minor age/use marks and lovely grain and color. Tang sight and percussion nipple are replacements; trigger floorplate is missing. Action is smooth and strong; bore is shiny with deep rifling. Joseph Golcher of Philadelphia made flintlock and percussion gun locks circa 1825-1860, which were used by many prominent gunmakers of the era. Est.: $800-$1,200. (Antique)