S#: NSN | 33.5" Octagonal Barrel | Approx. .45 Caliber. Bore Measures 11mm (.446") | Fine antique 19th-century American half-stock Kentucky/plains rifle with heavy octagonal barrel bearing a worn script maker’s marking that appears to read “Lem Burk,” possibly an abbreviation for Lemuel Burk. Presently available references have not conclusively identified the maker or documented his gunmaking history. Rifle appears to have originally been manufactured as a flintlock and subsequently converted to percussion ignition, a common period modification as percussion systems replaced flint ignition during the 19th century. Highly embellished example featuring an extensively scroll-engraved lock and hammer, double-set triggers, checkered wrist, fixed rear sight, dovetailed brass blade front sight and wooden ramrod. Stock is extensively appointed with decorative brass furniture highlighted by an elaborate engraved patchbox depicting a military motif including a cannon, shovel/spade and trumpet or bugle. Additional features include an engraved brass sideplate/lock-bolt escutcheon, decorative cheekpiece inlay, engraved ramrod entry pipe, brass ramrod thimbles, finger-spur trigger guard and engraved brass buttplate tang. The extensive engraving, checkering and decorative brass work make this a particularly fancy example of the American half-stock plains-rifle tradition |||| CONDITION: Good. Attractive wood stock with decorative engraved designs and a chip along the upper front edge near the barrel. Metal retains a rich darkened antique patina. Overall tight and solid construction. Includes ramrod. Mechanically functions at both full and half cock. Set trigger and main trigger both operate ||||| CLASS: BLACKPOWDER