Antique muzzle-loading rifle
08 June 2025
Description

I inherited this from my father (1913-1997) but it is not a family heirloom. He purchased it circa 1970s. That's all the provenance I have. I took it to the "Antiques Roadshow" but all they could tell me was that it was German, circa 1840s. The muzzle looks antique but the stock has either been refinished or replaced. It has the bayonet and ramrod. I have never fired it. I'd like to dispose of it.

Dimensions

Approximately 57" long. Bayonet is about 21" long.

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Yes
Answered within 4 days
By David U.
Jun 12, 18:02 UTC
Fair Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Hello, this item is a 19th-century German muzzle-loading percussion rifle, approximately 57 inches in length, accompanied by its original bayonet and ramrod. Based on the lock mechanism and styling, it appears to date from around the 1840s, a period when percussion cap ignition replaced the earlier flintlock system across most of Europe. The rifle exhibits a classic single-trigger system and brass fittings typical of Germanic military or civilian arms from mid-century. The walnut stock, however, seems to have been either refinished or replaced, which affects both the historical integrity and value.

Despite some restoration or modification to the stock, the piece retains its core antique character, especially with the presence of original components like the ramrod and bayonet. Rifles of this type are commonly collected for display and historical reference rather than functionality. Due to the uncertain originality of the stock and absence of identifiable proof marks or military regalia in the photos, the fair market value for this rifle is estimated at $400 to $800 USD, with better prices achievable at specialized arms auctions or to military antique dealers.

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