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Extraordinary Silver Mounted Pennsylvania Rifle by Pennepacker

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
Extraordinary Silver Mounted Pennsylvania Rifle by Pennepacker
This fine Pennsylvania rifle features a heavy 35 1/4" octagon barrel with fixed sights. There is floral engraving around the sights and the right front barrel flat is marked "W. PANNEPACKER". William Pannepacker was a descendant of German immigrants who built a barrel factory in Berks, Pennsylvania and later moved to Kentucky before dying in 1861. He is listed in Frank Sellers' book (spelled Pennepacker), "American Gunsmiths A Source Book". The name comes from the original Pennebecker German name and saw a number of variations through the years. The lock is marked "WILKES" and is engraved with a wooded scene. The hammer is engraved with a floral scroll design. The barrel is finished brown and the lock and hammer were casehardened. The rifle is equipped with double set triggers, bolster with a clean out screw, brass trigger guard with spur, ornate and floral, and geometrically engraved brass patchbox and brass crescent buttplate with a 3 1/2" floral engraved toe extension. The rifle is mounted with a full tiger stripe maple stock ornately decorated with engraved silver overlays, which include an eagle, snake, star burst, hearts and scroll patterns. There is an engraved brass overlay directly under the bolster, two brass ramrod pipes and a brass forend cap. Complete with an original ramrod.
BBL: 35 1/4 inch octagon
Stock: maple
Gauge: 44
Finish: brown
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN


Fine. The barrel is mostly a smooth gray and brownish patina. The hammer has a braised period repair. The lock and hammer have a smooth silver gray patina and the engraving is fading. The brass and silver have an attractive untouched aged patina, darker on the forend cap and toe extension. The action needs work, the hammer does not hold a cock position, the set triggers function properly. The stock is very fine with only a few overall scattered very minor dings and dents. The barrel and lock marking are clear. A highly desirable silver mounted Pennsylvania rifle made by one of America's most sought after of all rifle makers.