The rifle features seven-groove rifling, traditional low blade and notch sights, wavy line engraving accenting the rear sight, a distinctive Bedford style lock signed "G. Fay" with some light engraving, adjustable double set triggers, brass furniture, and a curly maple stock with over 60 pieces of silver and German silver inlaid along its length in a variety of patterns. George Fay was a gunmaker in Blair County, Pennsylvania. The county was formed on February 26, 1846, from sections of Bedford and Huntingdon counties. He was active until at least 1882 when his shop was robbed. The Altoona Times on December 16, 1885, indicated that "Mr. George Fay, the gunsmith, well known to all the older residents of Altoona, is now nearly blind and much enfeebled by age, having endured the frosts of seventy-nine-winters. He resides at No. 2120 Third avenue." On August 19, 1891, the Altoona Tribune indicated he had died the previous day and was born on December 18, 1890, and had resided in Altoona for over 30 years "and during the greater portion of that time he followed his trade-that of a gunsmith." Riflemaker Jacob Snider was Fay's apprentice (see his rifles in Lot 275 and Lot 3282), and William Fay also became a gunsmith but was killed after being drafted to serve in the Civil War.

Very good with dark brown patina on the lock and barrel, mild pitting concentrated at the breech, attractive aged patina on the brass furniture and silver inlays, repair on the entry pipe, and generally mild overall wear. The refinished stock has some cracks and repairs, attractive figure, and mild scratches and dings. The lock does not securely hold half or full-cock. The triggers are fine.