Guns International #: 101962292
Seller's Inventory #: 217281

Category - Antique Rifles - Percussion - Antique Rifles - Single Shot

Category
Antique Rifles - Percussion
Antique Rifles - Single Shot

c1883 Antique ST. LOUIS KACER PATENT Rolling Block Percussion/Rimfire Rifle Prototype, Proof of Concept, Working Rifle!

Description:
c1883 Antique ST. LOUIS KACER PATENT Rolling Block Percussion/Rimfire Rifle

Prototype, Proof of Concept, Working Rifle!

Here we present an antique Martin V. Kacer Patent Percussion/Rimfire Rolling Block Rifle, made circa 1883 in Saint Louis, Missouri. This example is a combination percussion and rimfire rifle with a unique rolling block type action (based on Remington’s design) having the exposed percussion nipple on top of block and the inside mounted rimfire firing pin on its lower section.

It features a brass frame is marked M.V. KACER / PAT’D / M.V. KACER. It is made to accept a .32 rimfire cartridge or a paper cartridge for percussion use. It has a brass butt plate and handsome, fancy shaped and engraved brass patch box (to hold the percussion caps) that is lightly engraved with the initials “MK”, indicating personal ownership by the inventor Martin V. Kacer, made under his patent No. 273288 of March 6, 1883. Underside of barrel lightly marked Belgium merely indicating that Kacer utilized from another gun. We strongly suspect that this rifle is one-of-a-kind given its hand-made manufacture and use of barrel from another gun.
Martin V. Kacer has a fascinating story that is well-summarized in the excerpt from St. Louis, the Fourth City, 1764-1909, Volume 3 by Walter Barlow Stevens (copyright 1909). Born in 1841 in Budweis, Bohemia, he immigrated to the United States in 1854 with his family, came up the Mississippi River from New Orleans on a steamer called the Flying Cloud and settled in St. Louis. He at once began working as a cooper (barrel maker) before enlisting in the 3rd (later 17th) Regiment of the Missouri Militia in 1862 during the American Civil War. After his service ended in 1863 he was back at cooping, making barrels for brewers in St. Louis. He went into business with a partner in 1872 making wood and paper cases that were inexpensive and sturdy for the transport of bottles (see beer). His business, based on his ingenuity and patents, and run on what sounds like machinery all of his own design and creation, boomed. He was also canny in business and in real estate and very generous. He was also a good shot and a member and trustee of Sharp Shooters Association and in 1891 he won first prize in the national sharpshooters’ tournament at Creve Coeur Lake, which ties in well with this rifle.

The overall condition is very good. Original patina. Excellent action. The bore is bright with nice rifling. Solid stock overall, with great figure and a patch box, with a few stable repairs at the toe. “MV KACER” marked brass frame. “MK” marked on the patch box.

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

Barrel is 24-1/4 inches.

Caliber: .32 Rimfire or Percussion

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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ancestryguns        
 
$3995

#217281
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes