H.E. Leman US Surcharge Indian Trade Rifle

H.E. Leman US Surcharge Indian Trade Rifle. Full maple stocked rifle with double set triggers, and false tiger maple graining, common to Leman’s work, brass furniture, and patch box. The lockplate is marked “LEMAN / LANCTR.PA” with stamped floral embellishments. The barrel is stamped behind the buckhorn sight, “TRUITT BROS & CO. / PHILADA” and has the muzzle stamped with stars or snow flakes (another Truitt feature). Caliber is .36, and barrel length 42 inches. (some of these guns had different sized bores). And like other contact North West contracts, the rifle is stamped with the “US” surcharge behind the trigger guard.

In 1857, Henry Leman received a contract of 500 percussion guns  to be supplied to the Government to be issued as annuity goods to Indians.  Indians actually complained about receiving guns in larger bores, and Leman complained to the Government, but they continued to order more and more, but apparently Leman provided a number in those smaller calibers. Another contract for 200 percussion rifles came in 1859, so called “North West No. 5” which variation this referred to is unknown. 100 more were contracted for in 1860, and this was the last contract for Indian arms by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

As to the Truitt Bros & Co, marking on the barrel.   Leman was behind in his production in 1856-7, due to high waters which slowed that production of all parts other than cast brass furniture. He was likely behind in production for some time. As with many contractors from the past, present and future to Leman’s time, manufacturers purchased from other arms makers, parts needed to fill their contracts. On this rifle, I believe the gun was made by Leman, and the Truitt barrel was purchased to fill Leman’s contracts. The stock with false tiger maple graining is common to Leman, as is the type of patch box. The side plate may have come from another Philadelphia firm of Spang & Wallace, (which rifle is listed on this site) who made the part or possibly purchased it from Leman.

A great rifle with history, and in fine condition overall.