The Kentucky Rifle Foundation indicates William S. Chilcote (1850-1887) of Todd Township, Pennsylvania, was an apprentice of his uncle James Stapleton and a late member of the Huntington School riflemakers active c. 1870-1887. He was living in Hustontown in the 1880s and was also a photographer and died shortly after eating a poisonous mushroom. The rifle features extensive German silver inlays with wavy line borders in a variety of designs, including arrows and tomahawks, and a floral motif is engraved on the brass oval patchbox. The patchbox has dried lubricant inside. The rifled barrel is equipped with dovetailed blade and notch sights and is marked "W.S. CHILCOTE" in an inlaid German silver panel with border engraving. The lock is marked "LEMAN/LANCTR PA" and has scroll patterns. It is equipped with adjustable double set triggers.

Very good with dark brown patina, mild oxidation and pitting, aged patina on the furniture and inlays, and mild wear. The stock is fine and has most of the varnish finish remaining, some nice figure, flash wear, and general scratches and dings. The trigger must be set to cock the rifle.