Whitworth Percussion Rifle

An Interesting Cap and Ball Percussion Rifle

A genuine Antique Black Powder Percussion Cap and Ball Whitworth Rifle in .451 with and brand new, un-shot barrel made by Arthur Smith.  Unusually, the lock is unmarked on the outer face.  A lock makers name does appear on the inside face which, is only partially readable; of “Siddons” or “Gideons”.  The other components of the lock inside seem almost brand new but are contemporary to the rifle.

Original straight wrist one-piece walnut stock.  Wood to metal fit is superb with no indication of shrinkage.  Everything is perfectly flush being finished with a fine curved steel butt-plate to the rear which retains some degree of colour.  Grain is strong indicating this is no low-grade selection of timber and by inference there was no shortage of fine timber available which in itself pushes the date of production further back to when these materials were abundant.  The surface finish is of a fine gloss patina, built by the passing of time. At some stage a fairly insignificant 2″ splinter has come loose just in front of the forward barrel band, which has been repaired in the past.

Overall the rifle is 49″ long.  The newly fitted barrel is 33″ long and the “Pull” is 14″ to centre.  The round freshly blued barrel has a bore of hexagonal section and is in standard Whitworth .451 calibre.  Externally the LHS of the breech end is simply marked with two inverted “52” markings the civilian proof for the bore size. Between the rear sight and the hut, along the top it is clearly marked “WHITWORTH PATENT”   The rear sight is a standard ladder-type, graduated on the side of the ramp from 100 to 400 yards.  The flip-up ladder is marked from 500 to 1300 with an open “V” aiming point.  The inverted V front sight is dove-tail mounted into a block at the muzzle.

Three steel barrel bands secure the barrel; the forward one having the front sling swivel under.  Original hammer and plain lock.  The steel trigger guard and lower strap has the rear sling swivel mounted at the back.  Twin lock screws are dark blue on the obverse sitting in steel escutcheons.  The bore is, of course unused.  This has only been proof fired recently.  The stock shows a mildest indication of the passage if time by a few light scratches or dents but it really is minimal.  Brand new, full length, brass tipped clearing rod fitted under the barrel.

A chance to obtain a real Whitworth rifle with a brand new barrel which should prove to be highly accurate in a genuine antique.

A rare chance to own a usable Whitworth.

  FAC Required

£ 2995.

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