May 28th 2011 Firearms (07)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2011
Overall length: 48”. Barrel length: 31 – ½”. Percussion lock marked “Slotter & Co. Phila”. Checkered wrist. Full octagon .45 caliber barrel marked “Slotter & Co. Phila made for J. Back San Francisco”. #60 on tang. Two barrel wedges. This rifle was made for members of the San Francisco Schuetzen Verein Club which was organized in 1859 with 35 men whose early rifles were made by Slotter & Co. of Philadelphia and were marked identical to this rifle. John Back was born in Germany in 1824, then relocated to San Francisco where he started his own gunsmithing business in 1854. He was a charter member of the Swiss Rifle Club of San Francisco in 1860 and a member of the San Francisco Schuetzen Club. Frederick Slotterbeck formed Slotter & Company in Philadelphia prior to leaving for California in 1858. This is a very important historical target rifle. Curly walnut buttstock. All original surfaces in almost new condition. Double-set triggers. High grade German silver. All edges and markings are crisp and sharp. Excellent condition.