Description:
John Smith OHIO 1/2 STOCK Rifle
Heavy Barrel, 1850's
General Specs: Ohio, Year 1850's, .36, 10lbs, Hammer Muzzleloader
Serial Number: nsn
John Smith was a prominent gunmaker in Hessville Ohio in the mid-1850’s. His work is well known and I have copied some info I found on line regarding his works. This particular Ohio Half-stock rifle is a very unusual find as it is wholly original in every way, including the wood finish and the patina on the barrel and brass fittings. The gun was well cared for and not abused, then stored for a long period of time. There are no cracks or repairs in the stock, the screws appear to be original and in good shape. The workmanship is superior in the way of wood-to-metal fit and inletting of the fancy brass fitting to the wood stock. The barrel is 32” long and heavy octagon with a .36 caliber hole at the muzzle. The front sight is German silver blade type and the rear sight is a buckhorn style with a height adjustable, fine notched aperture for fine sighting. I do not know a lot about this style of rifle, but it appears to have been a smaller bore rifle for light to medium game. John Smith rifles were known to be well respected for their accuracy and workmanship. The lock on this gun still functions to perfection, with a double-set trigger that breaks cleanly at just under 2lbs. pull. To find a rifle approximately 168 years old with original maker’s finishes and no flaws or alterations is a historical event. I am sure the rifle is still capable of taking game and punching holes in paper. The percussion nipple is in excellent condition. A little TLC and this gun would be “in the hunt”. Here are some details I found on the internet:
BORN 1802, DIED 1884. GUNSMITH HESSVILLE OHIO, 1870 LEFT FOR CALIFORNIA WHERE HE BUILT RIFLES. He built rifles there until the day of his death, as he was found dead by his family between his shop and their home. His guns and tools remaining after his death were sold to the Frazier Museum, Louisville KY as a permanent display.
FROM RUTHERFORD B. HAYES LIBRARY, OHIO GUNSMITHS & ALLIED TRADESMEN 1, BY DONALD A. HUTSLAR.
“1850, JOHN SMITH SR. 48,, BORN PA. IN HOUSEHOLD WITH NANCY, 40
LIVING ERIE CO. 1,INVESTED ONE HAND. $25.00 PER MONTH. YEAR ENDING JUNE 1, 1850, HE PURCHASED BARRELS AT $60.00. PRODUCED 25 GUNS VALUED AT $500.00 AND JOB WORK/ REPAIRS AT $380.00. 1869, JOHN SMITH, SR. GUNSMITH LOCATED AT HESSVILLE, BLACK SWAMP (GLUCKMAN & SATTERLEE).
1870. JOHN SMITH MOVED TO CALIFORNIA WHERE HE MADE RIFLES MARKED JOHN SMITH (SHELTON, CALIFORNIA GUNSMITHS) JOHN SMITH, SR. GUNSMITH (KNITTLE)REPORTED A 50 CALIBER RIFLE WITH CHERRY STOCK, REMINGTON BARREL, LOCK, GERMAN SILVER HARDWARE…” Thanks for looking!
Barrel Length: 32"****
Bore Diameter: .358 measured with a caliper****
% Blue: brown 90% ****
Sights: german silver front; height adjustable****
Action: back action hammer ****
Screws: excellent****
Trigger Type: double set trigger, crisp****
Trigger Guard Color: decorative brass****
Type: 1/2 stock; original; ****
LOP: 13 1/4"****
LOP To End Of Wood: 13"****
DAH: 2 5/8" ****
Butt Treatment: brass crescent****
There are more photos upon request. We offer a 30 day mechanical warranty on this fine shotgun. Call us for full details.
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Brand:
John Smith
Model:
nsn
Caliber:
.36 Cal. Cap & Ball
Location:
MI
Trades Accepted:
Shipping Notes: Payment Methods: Credit Card, Money Order, Certified Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer (Advertised price represents the 3% cash discount price. Actual price if paid by credit card is 3% higher cost)****
Inspection Period / Return Policy: Three Days from the date the item was received.****
Sales Tax: 6% Michigan Only****
Shipping & Insurance: Ground $45.00 We ship internationally!****
Item Condition: Used****
Requires FFL?: NO, ANTIQUE****
LET ME SELL YOUR GUNS!!! As you can see, I do a thorough job, am nationally known, and have hundreds of existing customers looking for your gun! Federally licensed dealer of Classic American Doubles, i.e. Fox, Parker, Ithaca, L.C. Smith, Lefever. Guns must be shipped to licensed dealer. Layaways accepted. No returns on layaways. I BUY SHOTGUNS, COLLECTIONS OR ONE AT A TIME.
