Half-stock Plains Rifle with octagon barrel and double set triggers. The top of the barrel flat is boldly stamped with the maker's name: "J.L. Ray". Consignor notes that accompany the rifle state that James L. Ray was a Kentucky-born gunsmith who had a shop in San Andreas, Calaveras County, California, in 1859. The rifle has a typical Plains Rifle rib beneath the barrel with two iron ram rod guides. The barrel has a sporting type rear sight and German silver front sight blade. The maple half stock is wedge-fastened and has a steel forend cap, iron trigger guard with finger spur crescent iron butt plate and oval iron patch box. The spring-fastened patch box is engraved with what may be a Masonic emblem. The hammer and lock plate are engraved with simple floral designs. The rile is fitted with a simple wooden ramrod.