New York State Percussion Militia Rifle, C- 1840s – SOLD

Description

J.P. Moore is listed as a New York gunsmith from Union, New York, active in the 1840s, however other sources have me working prior to this date, and into the Civil War years (producing Enfield type muskets).

This percussion rifle, made originally as such (not converted from flintlock), is stocked in walnut with checkered wrist, with brass furniture (trigger guard, butt plate, ramrod pipes, nose cap, side plates), German silver barrel wedge plates, and escutcheon. The named iron lock his light engraving, on the lock-plate, hammer and drum. The heavy iron barrel is rifled, not commonly seen in private purchase militia guns of this era. The rear sight is the buckhorn type, the front sight appears to be a silver blade on small iron base.  A bayonet stud is affixed to the bottom of the muzzle.  Has the original ramrod threaded for cleaning tools.

There are two sling swivels attached; one mounted forward on the trigger guard, the other held by screw just above the middle pipe. A section of chain remains on the rear swivel which may have been part of a nipple protector, or vent-pick tool.

Overall length is 57.5 inches.

bbl : 43.5

bore: .69 caliber.

Stock: walnut

The rifle is in very good condition, overall patina dark on metal surfaces.  The mechanics are fine, the nipple has been  flattened a good bit from abuse over the years. A fine example of small militia companies weaponry.