This rifle is featured on page 104 of "Arms Makers of Lancaster County" by Wood and Whisker and is "H GIBBS" on the top barrel flat behind the rear sight for Henry Gibbs Jr. of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who the book indicates worked for his father and became a freeman gunsmith in 1844 following his father's death. Advertisements from the period also indicate he was working for S. A. Danner in 1858 as a gunsmith and bell hanger. The swamped octagonal barrel has circular designs on the muzzle face, a German silver blade front sight followed by wavy line engraving, a dovetailed iron notch rear sight flanked by additional wavy line and cross designs, a drum bolster, and a hooked breech plug. The lock has some simple scroll and game scene designs. The mounts are primarily German silver aside from the silver plated and engraved patch box. The lid release button is in the toe plate. The stock has artificial flame figure, a checkered wrist, and a rectangular cheekpiece with an incised line at the edge. Also see Lot 155 for another H. Gibbs rifle.

Very good. The barrel, lock, and standing breech have a mix of gray and dark brown patina with some oxidation and pitting concentrated at the breech, a chip on the hammer, a tiny crack at the front lock screw, older replacement bolster and nipple, and tool marks. Most of the silver plating remains on the patchbox with some of the brass showing, and the German silver components have an attractively aged patina. The stock is also very good showing some moderate wear, scattered dings and dents, distinct flame pattern finish with some areas of discoloration, a small crack on the left at the breech, and crisp checkering. The action is fine.