A nearly identical rifle by W. H. Calvert is pictured on page 55 of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association's Muzzle Blasts magazine from December 2013 in the article "The Percussion Target Rifle for Single and Double Rest Matches" by Richard Hummel. William H. Calvert appears is directories from the 1850s as a gunsmith in Beloit, but the barrel marking clearly indicates he was also active manufacturing rifles after the Civil War when target shooting was especially popular. By the turn of the century he is listed as a hardware retailer. He served as a 2nd lieutenant in Company B of the 22nd Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. The unit fought at the Battle of Chickamauga and several other engagements. The majority of the rifle's weight is in the barrel which is turned down at the muzzle for a starter, has blade front and adjustable sporting rear sights, and is marked "W. H. CALVERT. BELOIT. WIS No. 185. 1867." The upper tang has a lollipop peep sight, and it is also equipped with double set triggers. The trigger guard has a grip extension, and the stock, which has some nice figure, is checkered at the wrist and fitted with a target style buttplate. An ebonized ramrod is fitted beneath the barrel. The overall style of the rifle suggests strong New York influence. It is likely Calvert moved to Wisconsin from New York given the rifles style and the several men of similar names living in New York in the same period. The hardwood case contains various reloading tools, including a starter, rabbit themed powder flask, and bullet molds. There are also several lead bullets in some interesting conical shapes more similar to modern semi-pointed and Spitzer bullets than a Minie ball. The case has a plaque inscribed "David Andrews/Beatrice, Neb." Andrews was born on Feb. 26, 1824, and died April 24, 1903. He served in Co. D of the 12th Ohio Cavalry during the Civil War. The 12th Cavalry fought in both battles at Saltville as well as several other engagements.

Fine. 60% of the thin, crisp original blue finish remains on the barrel. 30% original case colors remain on the lock, breech, trigger guard, and buttplate. There are a few small dings and scratches. The highly figured walnut stock is very fine and has excellent, sharp checkering, a few light scratches and dings, and most of the original varnish. The lock and set triggers function excellently, and the markings are crisp. The case is fine and has moderate wear including numerous scrapes. The accessories are fine overall.