19th Century Bartley Coalman Percussion Rifle .36 Cal Black Powder 37.5" BBL *No FFL Required*

Description:
MANUFACTURER: BARTLEY COALMAN 
MODEL: PERCUSSION RIFLE 
PATTERN / HISTORICAL TYPE: AMERICAN HALF-STOCK SPORTING / TARGET RIFLE 
YEAR MANUFACTURED: CIRCA 1840–1860
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: UNITED STATES 
SERIAL NUMBER: NSN5174A 
MARKINGS / PROOFS: “JAS GOLCHER WARRANTED” ENGRAVED LOCKPLATE WITH HUNTING SCENE 
CALIBER / BORE: .36 CALIBER BLACK POWDER 
IGNITION SYSTEM: PERCUSSION CAP 
BARREL LENGTH: 37.50" 
BARREL TYPE: OCTAGON 
ACTION: MUZZLELOADER 
SIGHTS: FIXED FRONT BLADE AND REAR NOTCH SIGHTS
STOCK / GRIP MATERIAL: STRAIGHT GRIP OILED HARDWOOD 
FURNITURE MATERIAL: BRASS 
FINISH: PATINATED METAL
HISTORICAL ERA: FRONTIER / WESTWARD EXPANSION 
CONDITION: GOOD ANTIQUE CONDITION WITH HANDLING MARKS, MINOR STOCK CRACKING, METAL PATINA, AND AGE-RELATED WEAR CONSISTENT WITH USE 
ADDITIONAL FEATURES: DUAL SET TRIGGERS, WOODEN RAMROD, ENGRAVED LOCKPLATE, BRASS BUTTPLATE, LONG TARGET-STYLE OCTAGON BARREL 
WHAT’S INCLUDED: RIFLE WITH WOODEN RAMROD 

This American percussion sporting rifle reflects the practical evolution of frontier-era muzzleloading arms during the mid-19th century. Built in the longrifle tradition but adapted for the percussion ignition system, rifles of this type were favored by hunters, marksmen, and rural shooters who required dependable ignition and improved weather resistance over earlier flintlock designs. The slim half-stock profile and extended octagonal barrel strongly suggest a rifle intended for deliberate offhand or bench shooting rather than military service, fitting squarely into the culture of American sporting and target rifles that flourished during the decades surrounding westward expansion.

Mechanically, this rifle utilizes a percussion cap ignition system paired with a traditional muzzleloading action. Powder and projectile are loaded directly through the muzzle and seated with the included wooden ramrod before ignition by percussion cap at the nipple. The long octagonal barrel provides substantial forward balance and rigidity, characteristics prized for maintaining a steady sight picture and consistent bore alignment. The “Jas Golcher Warranted” marked lockplate references one of the best-known American lock suppliers of the era, whose components were widely used by independent gunsmiths throughout Pennsylvania and the eastern United States.

In handling, the rifle exhibits the deliberate balance and sighting qualities associated with traditional American target and squirrel rifles. The .36 caliber bore offers mild recoil and economical black powder consumption while remaining highly practical for small game and precision target shooting. Dual set triggers allow the shooter to establish an exceptionally light and crisp trigger break after setting the mechanism, a major advantage for precision firing. The extended sight radius provided by the 37.50-inch barrel further contributes to accurate shot placement when used with properly fitted round ball loads.

Construction quality reflects the hand-built nature of period American rifles. The brass trigger guard and buttplate contrast cleanly against the figured hardwood stock, while the engraved hunting motifs on the lockplate add period-correct decorative detail without excessive embellishment. Wear patterns, stock handling marks, and age-related cracking remain consistent with honest long-term use rather than modern refinishing. The overall architecture closely follows classic mid-century American sporting rifles and preserves the mechanical and visual character collectors expect from authentic percussion-era arms.

For the collector of American black powder firearms, this Bartley Coalman percussion rifle represents a mechanically appealing and visually distinctive example of the frontier sporting tradition. Between the long octagonal barrel, dual set triggers, Golcher-marked lock, and traditional brass furniture, it delivers the essential features serious muzzleloading enthusiasts seek in a functional and historically grounded 19th-century rifle. Whether displayed as part of an American percussion collection or maintained as a period shooting piece, it remains a substantial and authentic representation of the muzzleloading era.

***Please see pictures for condition and wear***

SHIPPING INFORMATION:
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DISCLAIMER
Black powder firearms are sold for historical and sporting use. Buyer is responsible for safe handling, proper loading procedures, and legal compliance. All sales final.

Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .36
Manufacturer: Bartley Coalman
Model: Percussion Rifle
Serial Number: NSN5174A
Barrel Length: 37.5
Condition: Fair to Good

Price: $949.99
Shipping: $39.99
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