March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
According to "California Gunsmiths" by Lawrence P. Shelton, William Craig was born in England and was a gunsmith in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1844-1847. He moved to California in 1857 and is still in the 1860 Census in Sonora. Shortly after 1860 he returned to Pennsylvania. Due to the form of this rifle, it was most likely made in California rather than western Pennsylvania. The rifle features an octagonal steel barrel with an adjustable ramp rear sight with "W. CRAIG" stamped directly behind it and a longer than usual barrel tang. Flat percussion lockplate with stamp-engraved designs. Brass furniture includes a pierced western Pennsylvania influenced four-piece patchbox. Figured maple stock of California form with an elongated relief cheekpiece. Very good condition overall. Barrel retains a brown patina with some corrossion at breech. Lockplate retains a matching patina with percussion corrosion on front section. Brass retains a dark and unpolished patina. Stock is excellent with a few light scattered marks from use. This is a very nice and original example by a seldom encountered California maker.
Manufacturer
William Craig