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  • Auction Catalog #76
  • Lot #1226
Lot #1225
Lot #1227

Lot 1226: Engraved Mule Ear Half-Stock Percussion Target Rifle

Finely Engraved "Mule Ear" Half-Stock Percussion Target Rifle with False Muzzle Attributed to Billinghurst

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 4, 2019

Lot 1226: Engraved Mule Ear Half-Stock Percussion Target Rifle

Finely Engraved "Mule Ear" Half-Stock Percussion Target Rifle with False Muzzle Attributed to Billinghurst

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 4, 2019

Estimated Price: $2,000 - $3,000
Price Realized:
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Finely Engraved "Mule Ear" Half-Stock Percussion Target Rifle with False Muzzle Attributed to Billinghurst

Manufacturer: American
Model: Half Stock
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 38
Barrel: 29 1/4 inch part octagon
Finish: blue/bright
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 1765
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 117
Class: Antique
Description:

Features: false muzzle, globe front sight, banded transition point, "NGHURST" (almost certainly Billinghurst), on top at the breech, a threaded "lollipop" tang peep sight, plain trigger, floral engraved lock and hammer, pewter forend cap, plain brass furniture, and a nicely figured and varnished walnut stock. Presumably the rifle's barrel was marked before the barrel was fitted given it lacks any suggestion of shortening from the breech end. William Billinghurst (1807-1880) of Rochester was one of the most prominent and prolific gunmakers in New York in the 19th century. Among his reported clients were the emperor of Brazil and the maharajah of Bombay, and he is known to have produced a wide array of firearms, including revolving rifles, underhammer rifles, "mule ear" rifles, and combination guns.

Rating Definition:

Fine overall. 40% of the lightly fading original blue finish mixed with brown patina remains on the barrel. The lock has light gray patina. The brass has attractive aged patina. There is some minimal oxidation and scattered marks and scratches. The stock has glossy varnish, attractive figure in the butt, minor edge wear, small dings and scratches, a few minor hairline cracks, small repairs by the lock, and minimal light dings and scratches. The trigger needs to be manually reset; otherwise, it is mechanically fine.



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