Guns International #: 103155338
Seller's Inventory #: 254001

Category - Antique Rifles - 1500-1850 - Antique Rifles - Percussion

Category
Antique Rifles - 1500-1850
Antique Rifles - Percussion

NEW HAMPSHIRE Made JOHN BROWN .31 Underhammer Percussion Rifle FALSE MUZZLE SHORT BARRELED New England FREMONT Rifle

Description:
NEW HAMPSHIRE Made JOHN BROWN .31 Underhammer Percussion Rifle FALSE MUZZLE

SHORT BARRELED New England FREMONT Rifle

Here we present an antique John Brown Percussion Underhammer Target Rifle, manufactured in Fremont, New Hampshire, circa the mid-1800s. John Brown was a noted maker of underhammer pistols and rifles and owned a gun shop in Fremont where he was a gunsmith between 1845 until his death in 1895. The Underhammer was developed for several reasons. By having the ignition under the barrel, it was not in close proximity of the shooter’s eyes. It was also safer from flying debris and less distracting. Most of the debris was forced downwards in a safe direction away from the eyes. Also, the location of the percussion cap meant it was out of the weather when it rained. The ignition was also allowed for the spark to go directly into the powder under the barrel rather than a 90 degree bend like most other weapons. Most Underhammers were very simple in their moving parts. Some of the most simplistic designs consisted of only three moving parts, consisting of a main spring, trigger, and a hammer.

The first known documented Underhammer rifle was a flintlock from Germany circa 1740. On the U.S. side of the Underhammer history, in the book “The Pictorial History of the Underhammer” by Herschel C. Logan, he states that the earliest maker is listed a C. Bird & Company from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bird was a gunmaker who dates from 1790 to 1830. Herschel lists approximately 150 American gunmakers who made the Underhammer gun spanning between 1790 through 1900. In the mid to late 1840s, underhammer rifles became very popular in the United States for target shooting and hunting, though they would not become a part of the westward expansion.

The overall condition is nearing fine. Original, smooth brown barrel patina. Strong action. The bore is mostly bright with nice rifling. Two spots atop the barrel have been drilled and tapped. Markings are legible. Solid stock, contains an average amount of wear and some hairline grain splits. This example includes a false muzzle.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 16-3/4 inches.

Caliber: .31 Underhammer Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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ancestryguns

$1950

#254001
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $1,950.00
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