This is a full stock Kentucky rifle manufactured by Pennsylvania gunsmith James Marker. Marker was the son of Pennsylvania gunsmith Daniel Marker, known for making brass trimmed Kentucky rifles. This percussion rifle measures 59 1/2" in length with a 43 51/2" octagon barrel. The barrel has a dark plum patina and has a smooth, pit free exterior, and retained by iron pins. The bore is .50 caliber and is dark, but is not pitted. The rear sight is dovetailed into the barrel 10 3/4" forward of the breech. The front sight is a brass blade design, also dovetailed into the barrel. Between the breech and rear sight, the makers name of JAMES MARKER is engraved on the top barrel flat. The three ramrod thimbles are securely attached to the stock using iron pins. The lock plate is marked Henry Parker in old English script, with the first name almost being obscured by pinpricking from firing. The mechanics of the lock are strong and work flawlessly. The trigger guard, lock escutcheon, nose cap, ram rod thimbles and butt plate are made of brass. All the brass pieces share the same mellow golden patina. The stock is a light to medium brown color, with a darker appearance in the wrist area. The left side stock comb has a cheek rest. There is no wood loss, the barrel channel and ram rod channel edges are crisp, and there is only one stress crack, directly behind the rear ram rod thimble. It is very shallow and measures 1 1/2" in length. The fit of the brass and iron furniture is perfect, and it is obvious this gun has been together since it was made. This is a very nice example of an early percussion Kentucky rifle manufactured by a Pennsylvania craftsman.

Item # AA2405

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