Make: Unknown – Possibly American or English

Model: Percussion Take-Down Target Rifle

Serial Number: None Visible

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1840s–1860s (Antique)

Caliber: .36 Caliber (fires a .35 caliber ball, black powder only)

Action Type: Single Shot, Percussion Cap, Muzzleloading Black Powder Rifle

Markings: There are no visible maker’s marks on the lock, barrel, or tang.

Barrel Length: 32” Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a dovetailed blade. The rear sight is a semi buckhorn v-notch. No scope or sight base is included.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle is stocked in a one-piece walnut halfstock with a straight grip and crescent brass buttplate. The wood shows mild handling marks consistent with age and careful use, with attractive grain and no visible cracks. The brass furniture has an aged, untouched patina. The LOP measures 13.75" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Very Good condition for its age.

Type of Finish: Browned barrel, case-colored lock (faded)

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and retains sharp rifling. There is scattered erosion and light pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 /10.

Overall Condition: This rifle shows beautifully preserved patina and historical character. The action is tight and appears functional. There are general signs of honest use with aged bluing on the barrel and aged case coloring on the lock. The edges are crisp, with light freckling and a few minor spots of oxidation. The hardware retains uniform aging without evidence of recent polishing or replacement. The rifle rates in Very Good condition overall for an antique muzzleloader.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock holds full and half-cock, and the trigger breaks cleanly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Accessories: This rifle is housed in a green baize-lined hardwood case with period accessories, including:

A brass fluted powder flask with working spring

A steel bullet starter

A false muzzle with relief cut

Assorted .35 caliber lead balls

Worm, scraper, jag, and screwdriver

Punches and loading tools

Our Assessment: This is a superbly preserved example of a mid-19th century percussion target rifle, clearly built for precision black powder shooting. The inclusion of a false muzzle, scraper, jag, and punches confirms this was not a mere hunting gun, but a serious tool for match or competition shooting. While the maker is unknown, the craftsmanship of the lock, the tight wood-to-metal fit, and the extensive original kit suggest a high-quality build—likely from a gunsmith with regional renown during the golden era of percussion arms.

The .36 caliber bore is sharp and the take-down design, along with the robust cased kit, evokes classic American or Anglo-American match rifles of the 1840s–1860s. It’s a display-worthy antique that reflects the precision and care of its era. Collectors of early black powder rifles, especially those interested in complete, cased percussion sets, will appreciate its authenticity and completeness.

This antique, non-serialized rifle is a standout both for historical merit and its well-preserved configuration. Whether you're a collector, reenactor, or black powder enthusiast, this fine target rifle deserves a place of pride in any 19th-century arms collection.