3544 HENRY GIBBS AMERICAN FUR COMPANY CONTRACT RIFLE,

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,500.00 USD
Estimated at 3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
CIRCA 1835. Cal. .54 caliber. NSN. 55" overall. 40" octagonal barrel. Pictured and described on pages 140-141 of "The Fur Trade", author Milton Von Damm: "This rifle meets the general specifications of fur trade rifle contracts between Henry Gibbs and the American Fur Company between 1830 and 1836 for Lancaster or "American" pattern guns. Henry had a son, also named Henry, who made percussion rifles from 1843 to 1880. Indian, or at least western use for this gun is suggested by the old tacks. Note that the trivium patchbox is very similar to the Lancaster pattern rifles by Peter Gonter and Jacob Dickert. There is no maker's name on the lock but H GIBBS is stamped on the top flat of the barrel. The barrel's breech tang extends 5 inches along the top of the stock wrist for added support. This extended tang was an important improvement for trade rifles because the wrist or grip is the most vulnerable part of the stock. The condition of the gun is very good and the lock may be a working life replacement." CONDITION: good to very good. PROVENANCE: Lifelong Collection of author Milton Von Damm. (01-24785/JS). ANTIQUE. $3,000-4,000.