ALEXANDER MCCOMMAS, BALTIMORE - HALF STOCK PERCUSSION RIFLE

ALEXANDER MCCOMMAS, BALTIMORE - HALF STOCK PERCUSSION RIFLE

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$975.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1309-46

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

Here we present an antique half stock long rifle, made circa 1850, by Alexander McComas in Baltimore, Maryland. Alexander McComas was born on February 27, 1821 in Hartford County, Maryland. By the age of 13, he was apprenticed to Baltimore gunsmith Charles O’Brien. In 1843 he established his shop at 51 Calvert Street in Baltimore and became well known on the East Coast, as well as the South. He practiced his art until his death in 1892. Today, as then, he is known as one of the highest quality gun makers of his time, making his work quite valuable and collectible. In his day, he won awards for his work from the Metropolitan Mechanic’s Institute and the Maryland Institute.

Interestingly, quite a few biographical details can be found on this rather famous smith. One of the most memorable accounts about him comes from a Field & Stream article entitled “Old-Time American Sportsmen”, by W.L. Colville, from volume 14, May 1909, only 17 years after McComas’ death. The story goes that 3 days prior to the Baltimore mob’s attack on a Massachusetts Regiment, that had come down on federal orders to protect Washington, D.C., several men came to McComas’ shop and storefront to purchase revolvers. This was the lead up to the American Civil War and Maryland was fairly split with their sympathies. According to this account, the most vocal contingent lay with the Confederacy. Sensing these men’s ill intent, he refused to sell them anything. Not liking his answer, they tried to threaten and rob him, at which point he brandished two Colt 1851 Navies and asked them to leave. He knew they would come back, so he, his son and a man who worked for him, hid all of his stock of arms and ammunition. Then sat guard over the shop for several days, successfully standing off a mob of a hundred riotous Southern sympathizers when they breeched the door of his shop. Whatever your take on the events of the war, here is a gorgeous rifle from a still well-known craftsman, and as the end of the article puts it: “Alexander McComas was a plain man—a gentleman of character and of goodness, a patriot. His memory will be green in the heart of Marylanders these many years.”

The overall condition is very good. The metal surfaces have a scattered dark brown patina. The markings of “A. McCOMMAS. BALTIMORE” are clear and legible on the top barrel flat. The barrel is 33 ½” long and of the hooked-breach design. It is held to the stock by one flat pin having two oval iron escutcheons. The under-rib has one slight bend that appears to be a factory imperfection. The center iron ramrod thimble is also missing, as well as the ramrod. Stock ending in an iron nose cap. The bore has good rifling. Alloy front sight with buck horn rear. The action functions properly. The double set trigger is present and must be set first to cycle the hammer. Fancy scroll iron trigger guard. The lock is stamped “A. McCOMAS” with light floral hand engraving. The nipple appears to be a newer replacement. An iron tear drop patch box is present. Iron butt plate and toe plate are in good shape. This gun is unusual in that it is totally iron mounted and no brass. Most likely a special-order feature. The stock is in good shape. Checkered fore stock and wrist. Walnut wood with extra fancy swirl in the butt area.

Overall, a good example of a Baltimore, MD made pre-civil war rifle.  [stp][ph:L]

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