.41 caliber. 31" double keyed barrel.  SN: 97. Blued finish, German silver furntiure, checkered hardwood stock wtih raised cheek rest and smooth forend. Octagonal barrel rifle marked “Made for A.J. Plate San Francisco,” with additional “Gain Twist” marking denoting progressive rifling, a feature associated with higher-grade mid-19th century target and sporting rifles. Lockplate stamped “Slotter & Co. Phila.,” attributable to Henry Slotter, a noted Philadelphia maker active during the percussion era. The A.J. Plate retailer mark is significant, as Plate was among the principal San Francisco outfitting firms supplying firearms and equipment to California during and after the Gold Rush. As discussed in Larry Shelton’s work on California gunmakers and retailers, rifles bearing San Francisco retailer marks represent an important category of Western arms, often sourced from established Eastern makers and tailored for frontier distribution. These pieces are especially desirable for their direct association with early California commerce and migration. Configured as a classic half-stock plains or target rifle with double set triggers, iron furniture, crescent buttplate, and patchbox, the rifle reflects both Eastern craftsmanship and Western market demand. The combination of Slotter manufacture, gain twist barrel, and A.J. Plate San Francisco marking places this example firmly within the sought-after group of California-associated percussion rifles.

Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Gardnerville, NV. FedEx Ground/Home Delivery within the continental U.S.: $145 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined shipping available.

Good. Bore with modeate amounts of surface rust and visbile rifling. Metal surfaces retain an even, unaltered patina mixing traces of thin blue with surface oxidatrion. Markings remain clear and legible. Stock shows honest handling wear, scattered dings, and minor surface checking consistent with age. Barrel-to-breech junction line visible as manufactured. Ramrod appears period and consistent with the rifle. Action need mechanical attention as the hammer will not reliably catch at half or full cock. Rear relocated closer to the bore with the orignal dovetail filled.