Rare Samuel Adams Break-Open Percussion Rifle-Shotgun (AL5634)

Rare Samuel Adams Break-Open Percussion Rifle-Shotgun (AL5634)
Price: $3,950.00
Item Number:
AL5634

This rare Samuel Adams Patent combination break-open sporting percussion rifle-shotgun is most unusual. Samuel Adams was issued US Patent 960 on October 3, 1838, for a break-open combination rifle-shotgun that is almost identical to this rifle-shotgun. It is approx. 48 caliber and 10 gauge. The 29.5" rifle barrel is inserted in the shotgun barrel. It is threaded on the muzzle end and is held in place by a threaded muzzle cap. It precisely fits the shotgun barrel. THe bore has bright sharp rifling with scattered light frosting and some very light pitting in the grooves. The shotgun barrel is very good with some light oxidation and light pitting. Each barrel requires a chamber insert with a percussion nipple to function. A very nicely made chamber insert is present for the rifle barrel. A shotgun insert could be easily made. The barrel shows traces of a damascus twist pattern its full length, now primaly a smooth pewter gray patina, with light oxidation staining and some light pitting in the breech area. The balance of the metal surfaces are similar with light oxidation staining. They feature light foliate engraving overall. It has a bead front and v-notch rear sight. It is marked Samuel Adams Patent just to the rear of the rear sight. Troy NY is marked on the right barrel pivot arm and the back action lock is marked S Adams. There is light foliate engraving on the long buttplate tang with gamebirds at the very heel and a bit of engraving on the bow of the triggerguard. The American black walnut stock is very good with much original varnish and the expected light dents and dings of a gun that was used in the fiels. There is a small divot at the point of the comb. The forend is similar with a bit more wear and with a small chip forming at the rear, which may have been repaired. There is a lightly engraved German silver nosecap and a lightly engraved German silver ferrule at the rear of the forearm. The lock functions mechanically and the gun locks up tightly. It is equipped with a brass-tipped steel ramrod. The barrel insert and barrel proper are both numbered 14, the serial number. Samuel Adams is first listed in Springfield, MA, in the 1830s. He later moved to Troy, NY, and, possibly, later to Battle Creek, MI. It is reported (American Gunsmiths by Sellers) the his guns were manufactured by C.B. Allen. Here's your chancce to own a very early percussion cartridge tyoe gun that is also a combination rifle-shotgun and that is also covered by a very early U.S. Patent. If you like unusual early US firearms, this Samel Adams patent rifle-shotgun is for you!

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