Nelson Lewis (1811 - 1888) operated as a gunsmith in Troy, NY, from 1843 to 1888. He is known for percussion guns, especially target rifles. The overall length of this target rifle is approx. 43.75"". The approx. 27.5"" octagon 48 caliber barrel has an excellent bore with bright, strong rifling. The very slightly tapered barrel measures 1.1"" across the flats at the muzzle which is turned (but not drilled) to accept a bullet starter. The barrel top flat is marked N LEWIS MAKER TROY NY. The barrel has a globe and post type front sight and a fixed notch rear sight. There is also a elevation and windage adjustable folding lollipop tang sight. The back action lock is unmarked. The action has a functioning adjustable double set trigger mechanism. The barrel has most of its original blue finish which has some areas of spotting and is turning blue-brown. The stock is fine with little wear, no chips or cracks, a nicely executed cheekpiece, and a Schuetzen butt plate. The action functions correctly. This is a fine target rifle by a well-known maker. It would fit any percussion target rifle or single shot rifle collection.