This 54 caliber flintlock hunting rifle was built to model early colonial Virginian design elements. These include the Chambers Colonial Virginia lock, early VA trigger guard, butt-plate, full size side plate, and a J. Sheetz patch-box. Most furniture pieces are brass with the exception of the lock and the German silver side plate. The Colerain 36 inch x 15/16th barrel has round barrel rifling with ⅝-18 breech threads with a rifling twist of 1:56. The best early Virginian curly maple #4 stock was used to create the outstanding tiger stripe finished design. A ⅜ ramrod was striped to make it easier to find on the ground if dropped, and has a brass tip of 10-32 and includes a wad puller. A cleaning rod is also provided. The rear Davis trigger to the end of butt plate length is 13 ¼ inches, while the front is 14 ¼ inches.
The Toe-plate is by M. Fry, and the double thumb print thimbles are octagonal. Six fancy inlays adorn the fore-stock and a brass 15/16 chevron nose piece completes the furniture offerings. A complement of metal engraving on the side plate, patch-box, and toe plate are indicative of engravings at the time. Additionally, there are incised grape wood designs along the fore-stock and a tasteful oak leaf relief design on the butt-stock. The comb is a clean element to allow the tiger stripes to shine through and be a central feature of this rifle. The barrel and rear sight have been browned but the pewter steel lock was not as it was outstanding in its finish.
This is a hunting rifle of the highest precision, able to take down an elk at 100 yards with one shot. It can take heavier powder loads and keep firing for up to 5 repetitive shots without cleaning. A rifle of this quality is also sought by collectors to help complete their collection, or by museums to showcase the rifles of that period. I am offering this rifle for $3,500. If interested please contact the seller Terry at guitargambit@gmail.com I will pay for shipping and insurance for anyone in the lower 48 states.
