This small bore rifle is marked "JAMES BOWN & SONS/PITTSBURG PA" on the upper left barrel flat and "JAMES BOWN" on the upper flat at the breech. James Bown (1823-1901) operated a prolific gun shop in Pittsburg from around 1848 until the end of the 19th century and was noted as ". . .one of the best known cutlery men of the state and famous for the manufacture of the Kentucky squirrel rifle. . ." in his obituary in 1901. He established the Enterprise Gun Works which was known to churn out thousands of rifles in a given year. The rifle has traditional blade and notch sights, double set triggers, "C. M. K." hand marked on the lock (likely an owner's initials), and scroll engraving and incised carving.

Very good with dark brown patina along the barrel, gray and brown patina on the lock, mild pitting, orange colored patina on some of the brass, darkened aged patina on the remaining brass, and scattered minor marks. The stock has been spliced and repaired at the breech section and wrist, and half of the side plate is cut off. The carving in the fore section is partially smoothed while the breech section has distinct recut patterns. The flame figuring on the original wood and the spliced area do not match, but both are vibrant. Mechanically fine.