This rifle and its accessories are featured in "Gun Digest 12th Edition" and "Gun Digest Treasury" by John T. Amber and also in "Civil War Guns" by William B. Edwards as an example of a Civil War sniper/sharpshooter's rifle or bench-rest rifle. "This Gun Collecting Game" from Gun Digest was also posted on GunDigest.com on July 28, 2009. The rifle was in Amber's collection, and he served as the editor of Gun Digest from 1951-1979 and was also editor emeritus in 1980-1986. While the weight is noted as 25 lbs. in the articles, the overall weight of the rifle without the false muzzle is approximately 28 lbs. 11.2 oz. per our scale. It was clearly designed for precision shooting from a rest. Sharpshooters often brought their own target rifles and "telescope rifles" during the Civil War. The muzzle is cut and drilled for the included false muzzle and brass bullet starter set and has a cant block installed on the underside and the dovetailed front mount for the scope. The adjustable rear mount for the scope is fitted into the upper tang. "7" is marked on the underside of the barrel at the breech. "H.E. LEMAN/LANCASTER PA" is marked on the lock, and the inside of the lock plate and the lock internal components are also marked "31". The rifle is fired using adjustable double set triggers and has German silver furniture, including a spurred trigger guard and a patch/cap box marked "LOVELL" inside the lid. Provenance: The John T. Amber Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Fine with light original finish fading to smooth gray and brown patina on the barrel, stronger original blue on the scope tube, gray and brown patina on the lock, aged patina on the furniture, and general mild overall wear including some speckled oxidation. The stock is also fine and has smooth oiled finish and mild scratches and dings. The lock isn't holding full-cock, but it otherwise functions fine. The optics are very good for their age with minor clouding.