The full length of this impressive weapon is approx. 57.75 inches long. It has an octagon barrel that meas. approx. 43.75 inches long with a “V” notched rear sight and a long thin blade front sight mortised in place. Faintly visible approx. 3.00 inches forward of the breech is the name “H. GIBBS, LANCASTER, PA.” The barrel has a semi-bright appearance throughout due to remains of the original bluing scattered along its length. The top of the barrel at breech shows some light surface pitting. There are also some vice marks. Bore is .45 with faint rifling. Bore needs cleaned. Barrel has a drum and nipple at breech.

Lock is set flush with the stock and has rounded ends. Lock is semi-bright with scattered mottling. The face is engraved with a scroll decoration and a maker’s name of “G. GOULCHER.” Serpentine hammer is engraved with a scrollwork design and rests on the original nipple and drum. Nipple is peened over a bit. Action does not works but does not hold at half-cock and it is a bit sloppy.

Curly maple stock is full length and in good condition with a well-done repair on the left side of the muzzle. In this area a 3.75 inch section of the stock was expertly replaced. The rifle is enhanced by two German silver inlays. The left side of the butt, on top of the cheek rest, has a small rectangle with a chased border that meas. approx. 1.50 x 0.50 an inch. The partially checkered wrist of the stock has a small elongated oval. There are no visible cracks.

The patchbox is brass, is rectangular and is done with rococo style embellishment. The hinged patchbox lid itself is decorated with fern like lines. The patchbox door is flanked by two smaller brass rectangles with a very delicate engraved decoration of lines and squiggles. These rectangles support an oval and finial with chased edges and linear designs. Patchbox is opened by depressing a button on the brass toe-plate of the stock. Mechanism operates properly. All brass has a slightly clean look.

The brass triggerguard has a long bow and a finger rest at rear. The tangs have squared ends front and back. Ramrod is wood. All three brass pipes are present as is the heavy brass nose cap. Buttplate is also of plain brass. All have a matching cleaned look.

Henry Gibbs lived in Lancaster City, Lancaster County, PA.  He was born about 1824 and died in 1880.  [ad]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

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