The Andrew and John Wurfflein were German immigrant gunmakers working in Philadelphia c. 1840s-1860s and were followed by William Wurfflein. This stunning rifle is signed "WURFFLEIN PHILADA" in ornate script amongst the floral engraving on the top of the barrel. The rifle is very similar to the Andrew Wurfflein rifle shown in figure 5 of the American Society of Arms Collectors article "The Wurffleins of Philadelphia: Artisans at the End of an Era" by Ronelle Willadsen. The rifle is accompanied by the listing from when this rifle was sold in N. Flayderman & Co., Inc.'s catalog 118 as item 2541. The rifle is certainly one of the finest made by the Wurffleins and features dovetailed blade and notch sights, a German silver band at the breech end of the barrel, three gold bands on the breech plug, elaborate scroll and floral engraving on the upper tang and back action lock, adjustable single set trigger, German silver furniture with floral and scroll engraving, an interesting patchbox that has a German silver lined interior, and a very gracefully shaped walnut half-stock with finely checkered wrist and very attractive oval cheekpiece. Provenance: N. Flayderman & Co., Inc.; Property of a Gentleman

Fine with a mix of fading original brown finish and dark patina along the barrel, brown patina on the lock, light pitting and oxidation mainly at the breech, attractive aged patina on the German silver, crisp engraving throughout, and fairly minor overall wear. The stock has some repaired cracks at the edges of the forend but is otherwise also fine and has crisp checkering and light scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.