BOY'S or LADY'S RIFLE

A wonderful rifle obviously made for a young child. Attributed to one of the Schuler family gunsmiths of Perry County, c1850.This unsigned rifle has features found on rifles made by one of the three sons of John Shuler, Sr.  The back lock is stamped, Kelker & Bros, Harrisburg which was a prominent, long-time hardware supplier in Harrisburg.  

This diminutive rifle is a custom rifle made just like any full-size long rifle, but clearly made for a young child or perhaps, a lady. The overall length is 50.5”, and the octagonal wrought iron barrel is 35.5”, rifled to .34 cal. The gun weighs only 4lbs. The barrel is only 5/8” wide at the breach tapering to 1/8” less at the muzzle. The stock is curly maple, the hardware is brass and the patchbox is engraved in the Perry County style. The brass trigger guard is a full size, indicating this rifle may have been intended for a lady. Usually, children's rifles are well-worn (boys-will-be-boys), but this rifle shows only ordinary use with the expected percussion burn around the breach. There is a small crack in the face of the muzzle cap, but otherwise, the rare rifle is in very good condition. A unique rifle for any long rifle collection.

$3,000.