January 23rd 2016 Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/22/2016
Barrel length 20", .36 percussion. Breech of barrel is stamped "DH Hillard Corning, NH". According to Flayderman's Guide to Antique Weapons, Hilliard manufactured the underhammer pistol with no era given. According to the American Gunsmith book, David Hall Hilliard built underhammer guns in Cornish from 1842-1877 (died in 1877). These short buggy rifles are not listed in Flaydermans and are rarely ever seen. Features include: full heavy octagon barrel with no fore-end, a hooded globe front sight (dovetail), a sporting rear sight, and a 9-7/8" long rear sight that is mounted to the barrel and adjusted by spring tension at rear, locking into a series of grooves and topped with a square peep sight. Features a walnut butt stock with a brass rifle butt plate, brass heel, a Pennsylvania style cheek piece, an engraved brass trigger guard, silver inset diamond and oval on left side, with silver diamond on right side as well as an engraved brass patchbox. The hammer is beneath the barrel with a single nipple and trigger. Stock was refinished at one time. There is a 3" stress crack on right side of wrist. A 1" stress crack from rear of patchbox to plate. Fine, working condition. Strong rifled bore with minor abrasion. All metal is a rich dark patina. It has an oak ramrod retained by three thimbles. Very unusual, seldom seen, underhammer buggy rifle.