This antique single shot rifle is marked "M. MOSES MALONE, N.J." on the top flat of the barrel and "6 3/8" on a side flat upside down. Only an estimated 100 rifles were manufactured. Moses worked in Malone, New Jersey, from 1857 to at least 1870. This rifle employed a special cartridge with a thin brass case and thick iron base. The iron base was thick because it had a nipple in it which took a regular percussion cap; sort of a transition piece between the earlier percussion cartridge weapons like the Maynard, Sharps, etc. and more modern cartridge firearms. A manually operated extractor is mounted on the right barrel flat.

Fine. The rifle displays a dark plum brown patina overall and has some mild oxidation and pitting, marks and scratches, and edge wear. The bottom of the barrel has a dovetail filled with a German silver insert. The stock is about good with some chips and noticeable scrapes. The action functions fine, and the marking are clear.