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Late 1850s Antique “ZETTLER” Turner Militia Rifle
Guns International #: 101074619 Seller's Inventory #: 6498
Category: Antique Rifles - Percussion - Military Rifles - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1445
Total Number of Listings: 29836
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
Late 1850s Antique “ZETTLER” Turner Militia Rifle
German Immigrant Gunmaking Family in New York
Here we present an antique Inscribed “Zettler” Militia-Style Rifle, manufactured in New York City, New York circa the 1850s. Christian Zettler emigrated from the German Confederation in the years following the failed Revolution of 1848, as many other Germans did. These were known as the “48ers”. The Revolution embodied classical liberal principals such as democracy, liberty, and equality, and were for the unification of the Germanic states that were separate at the time. When they came to the United States, they brought with them their ideals and established Turnverein (Turner) Clubs such as they had in their homeland. These clubs provided an avenue for political and social engagement with other German immigrants, as well as education and physical training like gymnastics and military style drilling and shooting competitions.
Christian Zettler is recorded as one of the founders of New York City’s Turner Club on March 20, 1857 in an act of the New York Senate and Assembly. Christian was a gunsmith at the address 62 Essex Street. He was related to John Zettler, and John had two sons, Charles and Bernhardt. Like many of the Turners, Christian fought for the Union during the American Civil War. He would die at the young age of 32 just after the War’s end in August 1865.
This intriguing rifle has German styling with a full, length stock, short overall length, and pistol grip trigger guard. This rifle features several characteristics of a military rifle as well as a few of a target rifle. It is equipped with sling swivels and a large, military-style patchbox that is inscribed “J. Diele” in script. As far as target features go, this rifle has an adjustable front and rear sights in addition to a target style aperture sight in the rear. The rifle is bored to .46 caliber from land to land and .50 from groove to groove, certainly large enough for large game and for anti-personnel. The top of the octagonal barrel is marked “ZETTLER”. There is every chance that this rifle was used by a Turner Club member turned Union Volunteer during the American Civil War. It would be fascinating to locate further information on “J. Diele”.
The overall condition is very good. The iron parts are dark with age. The brass, likewise, has an even patina. The markings are clear. The walnut stock has been repaired from the back of the lock behind the peep sight and around the other side. There is a sliver missing from the right side near the muzzle. The bore is dark with strong rifling. The double set trigger could use some adjustment.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 27 inches.
Caliber: .46 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
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ancestryguns
$1650
#6498
SOLD
Antique: Yes