Original U.S. Pennsylvania Percussion Hunting Rifle by Frank Gilbert of Somerset with Partridge Trade Lock - Circa 1850

Item DescriptionOriginal Item: Only One Available. Just purchased at a recent military auction! This is a very nice 'Pennsylvania' percussion hunting rifle, often referred to as a 'Kentucky' rifle. The design developed in Pennsylvania, and then spread down the Ohio River Valley to Kentucky, where it was very popular. This is a very nice example, with a lovely 'curly maple' figured wood full stock and all brass mounts except for the steel nose cap. The rifle features a 33 inch long octagonal barrel with nine groove rifling and a bore of .53', and measures 52 inches in overall length. The stock has the characteristic curve to the wrist that makes these rifles so lovely to look at.As with many rifles produced during this period, it is fitted with a 'trade lock', in this case markedG. PARTRIDGE / WARRANTED. This is a known marking on many trade locks, though it is not clear whether this is the maker. We believe it is more likely the name of the importer, who would purchase unmarked locks in bulk from England, and then mark and possibly engrave them when they arrived in the united states. The top facet of the barrel has some engraved designs, and has a scriptFrank Gilbertsigned to the rear of the rear sight. There looks to be something else written in front, and then we can make outSomerset, Pa, along with other text that we cannot quite make out. This is an area to the South East of Pittsburgh, located on the east branch of Coxes Creek, part of the Ohio River watershed. Definitely some nice research potential here.The rifle is in overall very good condition, with wear commensurate with age and service. It features a simple rear notch sight with a front blade sight. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The bore is in good condition, showing strong rifling, but also some fouling and oxidation, so it definitely has seen some level of use. The nine groove rifling is also close to straight, with very little twist. The stock is lovely, with the figured maple showing a lot of curl, particularly on the butt stock area, where it is close to 'flamed'. We did notice some wood graft repairs, with one where the ramrod enters the stock, and another to the right side of the barrel tang, next to the lock plate. There is a wooden ramrod under the barrel, but it looks to be a display replacement.A very nice Pennsylvania Percussion Sporting rifle with some great research potential. Ready to display!Specifications-Year of Manufacture: c.1850Caliber: approx .53' nine groove riflingCartridge Type: Ball and PowderBarrel Length: 36 1/2 InchesOverall Length: 52 InchesAction type: Back Action Percussion LockFeed System: Muzzle LoadingNOTE:International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.Shipping RestrictionsThis product is available for international shipping.Payment OptionsNot eligible for payment with Paypal or AmazonLegal InformationIMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.These antique guns are not sold in 'live' condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as 'wall hangers' not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.