About .44 cal, 32 1/4” part octagon, part round barrel with an about very good bore which shows bright areas and strong rifling, but also scattered light oxidation or pinprick pitting. The barrel is an overall soft brown patina showing scattered light oxidation and areas of light pitting. The muzzle shows a lightly turned medial with matted section within, and also a number of light dents which have been dressed. There is a simple globe style front sight fitted just ahead of a professionally filled auxiliary dovetail. The rear barrel slot is blanked and there is currently a lollipop style aperture sight in place on the long tang. The patent breech is a dark mottled case-hardened patina showing some light geometric engraving with the left diagonal flat marked “N Whitmore/Cast Steel/Boston”, much of this loss due to oxidation or light pitting from the years. The back action lock shows light loose open flowing scroll with banknote filigree bordering, continuing onto the hammer, its skirt is chipped out and the hammer screw is damaged. There is a German silver nosecap, tailpipe, single spur triggerguard with a rearward curling grip extension and light engraving, an unadorned crescent buttplate with the toeplate showing some nice engraving, the pendulum-style patchbox lightly engraved as well. The American walnut stock rates very good showing the overall light dings and handling marks from the years and some added finish and a minor crack here or there. It is equipped with a rounded left side shadowline cheekpiece which has a small geometrically engraved German silver oval within it, there is an unadorned scroll-style tail added to the lock screw escutcheon, likely a later addition. The rifle is equipped with a single set trigger and the lock seems to function properly mechanically, although the hammer is somewhat loose due to the damaged screw. Rifle is cased in a faux leather covered carry case with a walnut target rest, smooth-sided Hawksley patent fireproof top flask with adjustable spout, turn screw, nipple wrench, oxidized powder storage tin and a bullet swage; the case rates about very good. A good representative example from this sought-after Boston maker. (3B8937-417) {ANTIQUE} [Cletus Klein Collection] (800/1200)
firearm