William Billinghurst Scoped Target Rifle
"Among the two or three most renowned gunsmiths
of 19th century New York State." The New York State
Firearms Trade, by H.J. Swinney. Compiled by Tom Rowe
With accessories and outstanding figured walnut stock
Rochester, New York - SOLD - SOLD

As depicted, by premier maker, William Billinghurst, (1807-1880), a scoped .41-caliber target rifle with finely figured stock having checkered wrist within incised border; breech and tangs elegantly engraved as are screws...a Billinghurst tradition. The plum-brown fading to smoky-gray octagonal barrel is 28 7/8-inches in length; overall length: 44.5-inches. Included are the original false muzzle, and the original brass barrel rest; three nipples and nipple wrench; also, an appropriate brass bullet starter which, is a professionally executed replacement in the Billinghurst style. The period scope is unmarked, as were many on Billinghurst rifles. This scope has been cleaned and reconditioned to "as new". The optics and crosshairs are perfect. The correct marking-"William Billinghurst-Rochester-New York" is present under the steel cantilevered spring scope mount. This rifle is closely related to that which is published on page 231 of the important treatise, The New York State Firearms Trade.
The accuracy and quality of Billinghurst percussion rifles was without peer, a tribute to the nineteenth centuries finest gun making.

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