This rifle has a heavy octagon barrel with 2 1/8 inch long diamond shaped German silver inlays on the top right, top, and top left flats in an alternating pattern with a 2 1/2 inch long tree shaped inlay at the breech on top. It is marked "1896" and "Jn. D. Russ" in script on the top flat between the inlays ahead of the rear sight with a faint etching with a "SS" shape inside of a banner at the breech behind the tree shaped inlay. The front of the barrel has a series of circles. The included page from Robert Gardner's "Small Arms Makers: A Dictionary of Fabricators of Firearms, Edged Weapons, Crossbows and Polearms" indicates that Russ filed patents assigned to F.F. McIntosh and A.J. Lyons of Spencer, West Virginia for a firearm and three different trigger mechanisms between 1906-1908. Additional patents in the name of John D. Russ of West Virginia from the 1890s and early 20th century were registered with the U.S. Patent Office including one for a lathe attachment and another for a check valve for combustion engines. The consignor research indicates that Russ was a man of varied talents who made firearms, registered various patents as noted above, and was also a jeweler which may explain the attractive inlays seen on this rifle. The side flats just below the blade front sight have round posts that may have been used to mount a false muzzle. The rifle also features a fixed rear sight, double set triggers, and has brass ramrod tubes, round plaque on the forend, ornate trigger guard, patch box, and buttplate. There are also additional German silver components including the forend cap, small circles and a diamond on the lock plate, the side plate, and a oval inlay on the left side of the butt. There is a brass piece fitted to protect the bolster. The upper tang has two empty screw taps likely used to mount a peep sight. It is fitted with an attractive, smooth curly maple half stock.

Fine. The rifle retains 50% of the original brown finish with some edge wear. The lock plate has a brown patina. The German silver is bright. The brass has an attractive aged patina. There are some overall light marks and scratches. The otherwise fine stock has a crack running from the butt towards the back of the trigger guard and has a small repair with a copper plate above the trigger. The set trigger is functional, but the hammer currently does not hold half or full cock.