April 9th & 10th Premier Firearms Sale (MFIRE)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/9/2016
30-1/2” barrel in .41 bore percussion. Nelson Lewis operated his gun shop in Troy, New York beginning in 1843 where he made fine quality sporting arms until his death in 1888. He was famous for his target rifles, all of which were rifled with gain twist. This is one such rifle. For the most part it is a typical full octagon, heavy barrel, half stock rifle with one of the most unusual rear sights we have seen. The rear sight with its full circular target peep measures 15” in length. It swivels forward as to be out of the way but swivels into position and locks into a rear sight slot to where the last 4” extend beyond the rear of the barrel. Also features a turned muzzle that is a type of false muzzle without the locking holes. Globe front sight and steel under rib with two retaining thimbles. Barrel is held in place with a single wedge. Strong clean rifled bore. The barrel is stamped “N. Lewis Maker Troy” on top flat. Barrel is basically brown patina and has a new nipple. Has double set triggers. Right side lock not marked. Metal nose cap has a lollipop sight hole with filler. Stock is walnut with nickel accents to include butt plate, toe plate, trigger guard, wedge escutcheons, rear thimble, and patch box. Left cheek piece decorated with a dove. Decorative left sideplate. Wood is very good with some finish loss and two minor age stress cracks on right side measuring 1/2” or less. Action is fine. With this rifle comes an extra heavy full octagon 32” barrel with no rear plug, .50 bore. Not maker marked, and was a later addition. Finished in the brown with freckling. Housed in a homemade wooden case with muzzle starter, bullet molds, some .40 caliber cast bullets, and two cleaning rods. Very nice target set manufactured by well-known maker with an extra barrel and old hand-written hang tag.