April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
This exquisite half stock mid-19th century percussion plains rifle is attributed to William Constable of Philadelphia. This is based on the backlock action stamped Constable and Philadelphia stamp of top rear barrel flat. This rifle features a finely engraved German silver ornate patchbox on right side, blued back action features lovely scroll engraving, hammer also engraved. Upper tang is fully engraved as is the screw. Blued trigger guard is engraved. Buttplate includes wraparound toe and heel. German silver heelplate is engraved. Wood is a traditional half stock, finely checkered at wrist, with an ornate buttplate on right side and ID plaque on left side. Wedge horn foreend. Double set triggers. Wind drift dovetailed rear sight and wind drift German nickel front sight. Rear thimble in stock is German silver and engraved. CONDITION: Barrel is a brown-grey patina with sharp edges and stamps. Has period oak cleaning rod. Walnut stock is oil finished and in superb condition. Has a strong clean mirror bore with razor sharp lands. According to consignor's history, this rifle was allegedly made for John Tucker, president of the Philadelphia and Reading railroad for his Western big game hunt in 1850. Any Constable made gun is considered extremely rare and valuable. This comes from the ex collections of Jack Plunkett, Robert Eckert Sr., and Sharps specialist Dr. Richard Labowskie. Arguably one of the finest early half stocks we have encountered and manufactured by notable Philadelphian gunmaker.
Caliber/Bore
.60 Rifled Percussion
Model
Half-Stock Plains Rifle