Fabulous Deluxe Percussion Halfstock Sporting Rifle by D.H. Hilliard of Cornish, New Hampshire
Lot Closed
Similar Items
Overview of Fabulous Deluxe Percussion Halfstock Sporting Rifle by D.H. Hilliard of Cornish, New Hampshire
Item Details
.38 caliber, 29" octagon barrel turned at muzzle for starter and with a bright excellent bore. This is a lovely Hilliard rifle, perhaps the finest we have ever offered. When one hears the name Hilliard, likely the image that comes to mind is of an underhammer rifle of which he made many. He also made traditional rifles with back action and front action locks. This example features a back action lock and is German silver mounted and engraved. The top left flat of the barrel is marked "D.H. HILLIARD / CORNISH, / N.H.", "CAST-STEEL" and is serial numbered "1609". The bottom flat under stock is marked "62 G.H. NUTT 2" and on left bottom flat just ahead of breech "ALLEN THURBER & CO / CAST-STEEL". The lock shows simple scroll with shaded background along with a simple an endearing border pattern. The top of the barrel shows light scroll ahead of rear barrel sight and the top surface of the long tang sight is engraved with large loose scroll which is reminiscent of the loose scroll engraving found on Dutton rifles which were made in Jaffrey, NH. The fancy round German silver patchbox is engraved as is the finger spur triggerguard, sideplate, buttplate, toeplate and wedge escutcheons. The forend tip is of pewter and it is also engraved. The barrel breech shows light engraving, as does the tang, and the outer surface of the bolster shows light scroll. All engraving is clean and somewhat folky and endearing and is what we would expect to see on a 19th century New Hampshire made gun. The rifle is equipped with double set triggers which function properly however the hammer does not quite hold on full cock. The condition of the rifle is excellent with the barrel retaining 75% evenly thinning original blue finish overall. The lock shows lots of original color case-hardened finish which has softened slightly but has a nice appearance. All iron surfaces remain smooth and free of pitting. The stock is of very nicely figured American black walnut and features a lovely shadowline cheekpiece with plain oval German silver monogram plate at center. The stock rates excellent with 95% original finish remaining and with just normal light handling marks most prevalent on the left side. The rifle is sighted with a globe front, open sporting rear with elevator and a long cantilevered tang sight with sliding elevator which engages hand cut adjustment grooves filed across the tang. A simple hickory ramrod is present beneath barrel. All furniture fits beautifully, the cheekpiece inlay being the exception as it is lifting slightly. This rifle is illustrated in Ned Robert's famous work The Muzzle-Loading Cap Lock Rifle on page 152. This is an extremely fine Hilliard rifle, certainly among the finest remaining examples of his work. (1E9670-114) {ANTIQUE} [David & Lore Squier Collection] (3500/5500)