Nelson Lewis was a gunmaker c.1840s-1880s in Troy, New York. The rifle features a "RILEY/HASKELL/1864" marked scope, "N. LEWIS/TROY/MAKER/N.Y" marked on the upper side flats of the barrel, mounting points for a palm rest and bench rest, unmarked back action lock, spurred iron trigger guard, adjustable double set triggers, iron crescent buttplate, pewter forend cap, and long swept cheek rest. A case, false muzzle, starter, conical bullet mold, and James Dixon & Sons "QUICK LOADING/FIRE PROOF" flask are included. The case lid has a small plaque inscribed "W.H.H. Murray." This is most likely for William Henry Harrison Murray (1840–1904), aka "Adirondack Murray." He was an American minister but is best remembered as an outdoorsman and key figure in the American conservation movement of the 19th century. His writing in "Adventures in the Wilderness; or, Camp-Life in the Adirondacks" published in 1869 is credited with turning camping into a national past time in America and promoted being in nature as good for health and spiritual well-being and blamed many ills on urban living. The same themes have been very common in recent years as Americans living in crowded cities today escape to go hiking and camping to get in touch with nature, relax, and get exercise. The success of the book made Murray a wealthy man, led to many Americans heading into the Adirondacks for vacation transforming the region into a tourist destination, and helped create an appreciation for America's beautiful wilderness areas that aided the larger conservation movement in the late 19th century.

Fine with a blend of 30% plus original blue finish mixed with an attractive smooth brown patina on both the barrel and the scope tube, light original case colors on the lock, mix of gray and brown patina on the balance, some mild oxidation, and mild overall wear. The stock is also very good and has general mild scratches and dings, some attractive figure on the butt, a few hairline cracks, and mild overall wear. Mechanically fine (set trigger first, full-cock only). The case and accessories are good and have moderate overall wear including dents on the flask. This is a very attractive New York Civil War era "telescope rifle" by a well-known maker.