Guns International #: 102164568
Seller's Inventory #: AL7000

This unusual mule ear percussion rifle was made by Joseph Medbery of Rochester, NY. He made flintlock and percussion rifles and pistols from 1818 to 1841. He sold his business to the well-known gunsmith William Billinghurst in 1841. The overall length of this fine rifle is approx. 47.5"". The 32"" octagon 40 caliber barrel has an excellent bore with bright, strong rifling. The barrel retains approx. 80% of its smooth brwon finish which is thinning. It is marked at the breech J.MEDBERY over ROCHESTER. It has a bead type front sight and fixed notch rear sight. The breech plug has decorative engraving. The lock plate has a decorative band around the edges and is lightly engraved at the tail. The lock mechanism is most unusual. The mainspring is mounted on the lock surface below the pivoting mule ear hammer mechanism. The rear of the mule ear hammer projects approx. 1' away from the lock. When this is depressed, a sliding bar at the rear of the hammer moves into the gun to engage the sear and cock the hammer. Its simplicity is elegant. In addition, this rifle does not have a standard cone for a percussion cap. Rather, it has a circular depression with a touch hole in the bottom. This appears to be for some kind of pill type percussion primer similar to those used by Sharps. The brass trigger guard, butt plate, side plate, and lower ramrod ferrell have and even aged patina. The ramrod is present. The half stock is fine with sharp edges, no cracks or chips, and light overall usage wear. The double sided cheek piece has a silver star inlay on each side, a blank silver eschuetchon on the wrist, and silver barrel key escutcheons. The unusual mule ear actionfunctions correctly. This may be the only example of this type of action you will ever encounter. Don;t miss it!