This is an extraordinary example of this maker's work. The barrel has a removable false muzzle, dovetailed front sight base with replacement silver blade, notch rear sight with added higher sight blade, a tap with screw in place near the breech, scroll engraving, a cleanout screw on the bolster, "41" and "1860" on the bottom flat at the muzzle, and "M.S. SANDERSON/MAKER./CAST-STEEL" marked on the upper left flat by the rear sight. The lock is marked "M.S. SANDERSON" and has border and scroll engraving. The upper tang has a tap for a peep sight or scope with a post in place. The rifle is equipped with double set triggers. The ramrod rides in ferrules attached to the underside of the barrel and enters through the pewter forend cap. The stock has extensive German silver furniture and accent plates secured with small screws and engraved with mainly floral scroll patterns. There is also a bird scene and a reposed buck on the patchbox. M.S. Sanderson was a riflemaker from Vermont around the late 1850s to early 1860s.

Very good with mostly brown patina on the barrel, gray patina on the lock, minor oxidation, crisp engraving and markings, light aged patina on the German silver, and mild overall wear. The repaired stock is also very good and has general mild scrapes and dings, some filler visible in the wrist and on the left flat, and some nice figure. The adjustment screw for the set triggers is absent; otherwise, mechanically fine.