November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
George O. Leonard was from a family of gunsmiths, with three other Leonards in the family being gunmakers. George Leonard was only operating in Keene, New Hampshire between 1859 and 1869. This coincides withe the scope, dated 1868. Extra heavy octagonal rifled steel target barrel with false muzzle, stamped "236" on face, left flat stamped "236" and "GEO. O. LEONARD/KEENE N.H./CAST-STEEL". Features a patent breech and fitted with peep sight tube with keyhole cutout at front, rear eye piece and top of tube both marked "PA. ALTMAEIR, HARRISBURG, PA. 1868". Rear mount screws into barrel tang, front mount dovetailed into top flat. Flat unmarked percussion lock and double set triggers. Fine figured walnut half-stock with pewter end cap and plain steel furniture, including heavy target buttplate, triggerguard, two piece patchbox with eagle finial, and sideplate. German silver Moravian eight-point star inlaid above relief cheek piece. Hickory ramrod with brass tip appears to be original. Excellent condition, overall, showing little use, all steel components are crisp and retain a light grey patina, showing little use. Markings excellent. Brass scope retains a mellow, unpolished patina and has only a few minor storage marks. Stock excellent with a few light storage marks. A very nice Civil War period target rifle that could have been used by either side as a sniper rifle during the war. A rare find by a scarce maker, complete and original in extraordinary condition!
Manufacturer
George O. Leonard