The rifle is signed "D. Fish New York" in ornate script on the barrel and has a similar maker's mark on the lock. In "The Rebellion Record..." edited by Moore, Daniel Fish, a gunmaker in New York City, is identified as having been arrested for treason in late April 1861 for "having sent of large quantities of arms for the use of the Southern traitors. The correspondence and bills of lading found in his possession abundantly sustain the charge." Fish appears to have been active c. 1840-1870. He was listed at 68 West Broadway in 1842 and 374 Pearl Street in 1845. One of his trade labels listed him as a gun and rifle maker at 66 Fulton Street in New York, and he was still listed at that address as a gunsmith in 1865. He appears to have lived 1805-1873 based on a grave in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. The rifle has a brass blade front sight, adjustable notch rear sight, a peep sight with long tang that extends back over the wrist, an adjustable single trigger, the noted maker's marks, dual gold bands inlaid on the breech plug, and checkered half-stock with nice figure and sculpted cheekpiece. The rifle is decorated with scroll engraving on the upper barrel flats, lock, and German silver furniture. The highly ornate, panel scene engraved patch box has a leaping stag and foliage on the lid, a stag head finial, a dog at the rear, and ornate scroll patterns. The release button is on the top of the comb. The sides of the butt have engraved panels between the heel extension of the buttplate and the toeplate. The latter has four heart shaped piercings.

Very good. The barrel has dark brown patina, light Damascus twist patterns, minor separation of the rib at the muzzle, and light oxidation. The lock has some light case colors in the protected area and otherwise brown patina and light oxidation. The German silver an attractive aged appearance and crisp engraving. The otherwise very good stock has a break in the wrist extending from the now absent rear lock screw, a couple of other faint cracks, a splice on the left side below the comb, attractive figure, minor scratches and dings, and most of the glossy finish. Mechanically fine. This is definitely a high great, highly embellished, American percussion target rifle that could receive some well deserved attention.