Damascus steel barrels signed "JAMES A. ELLIS, CANANDAIGUA, N.Y." on the solid concave rib with a flourish of scrollwork at the breech, extractor, and Birmingham provisional proof marks (BP in scroll, mid to late 19th century) on the flats. The casehardened action with doll's head rib extension features fine English scroll type engraving which extends the hammers, side plates, trigger guard, and side lever, "JAMES ELLIS" signed casehardened side plates, double triggers, and extended tangs. Nicely figured straight grip stock with checkering, checkered hard rubber buttplate, and fully checkered forearm with scroll engraved hardware. The partitioned wooden case has German silver hardware and inscription plaque marked "Robert Heilson," and a cartridge block holding 20 brass casings. The case contains a powder measure, wads, two-piece cleaning rod, cased paste/lubricate kit and five large tin canisters. Bore and stock measurements (R/L): chambers measure at 2 3/4 inches; bores 9 inches from the breech measure .767/.769; minimum wall thickness .035/.038; drop at comb 1 3/4 inches; drop at heel 2 7/8 inches; length of pull 13 5/8 inches. In 1861, a joint business venture was formed between gunsmiths D.M. Lefever (a name later synonymous with the New York shotgun manufacturing trade) and James Ellis in Canandaigua, New York. They made muzzle loading rifles, including rifles used by the New York State Sharpshooters during the Civil War, until 1867 when the partnership dissolved. Ellis remained in the gun making business which eventually turned into hardware store.

Very fine. The barrels retain 80% of the Damascus pattern and generous amounts of original brown finish in the sheltered areas. The action retains 40% original case colors in the sheltered areas. The engraving is crisp. The wood is also fine with minor dings and scratches and some blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine showing minor handling/storage marks and some high spot wear on the lining.