This is a very interesting mid-19th century percussion target rifle from Edinburgh gunmaker Joseph Harkom. The barrel has a beaded blade front sight mounted on a matted ramp, dovetailed notch rear sight, matted breech section signed "J-Harkom Edinburgh" in script, and a casehardened breechplug with scroll engraving and "332" on the hook and underside. The lower right flat of the barrel is marked "SMITH & DAVENPORT/WORCESTER, MASS/CAST-STEEL". The upper tang has a hole for mounting an absent peep sight. The detented back action lock is signed "J. HARKOM" underneath the hammer and has a sliding safety and scroll engraving. The mounts feature further scroll and foliate engraving and include a compartment in the grip cap and a small patchbox with patches inside. The pistol grip half-stock has a dark horn forend cap, checkering on the forend and grip, and an oval cheekpiece. The rifle is listed on the included 6/18/63 dated receipt from Jackson Arms to Norman R. Blank. Barrels by Smith Davenport are found on fine Pennsylvania rifles. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Fine with 30% of the original brown, casehardened, and blue finish remaining, gray and brown patina on the balance, mild oxidation concentrated towards the muzzle, and mild wear. The stock is fine and has some minor chips/flakes at the edges, crisp checkering, and mild scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.