Beautiful Andrew Wurfflein Target Rifle (AL4947)

Beautiful Andrew Wurfflein target rifle. About .42 Caliber, 30” Octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore, which shows only the tiniest bit of light oxidation nearer the muzzle. The barrel retains nearly all of its original maker plum brown, fading slightly in areas, also with scattered light oxidation over much of its surface. It is turned for starter (none present) and features a very nice thin silver blade front sight with German silver gradient scale in dovetail to its front. The rear sight, as well, is a flat-topped with a pointer front and the same lovely German silver gradient scale to its front there is a long tang style sight installed in a far mounted dovetail showing an identical pointer and lovely little diminutive German silver scale; it features a turned horn aperture, which is friction-fit, shows chipping and flaking around its rear edge. The left diagonal flat is stamped “A Wurfflein/Phila” and the breech shows a single platinum and gold inlaid line each with some light engraving. The long tang shows light open scroll, it and the lock assembly are a pleasing smooth pewter gray patina. The lock and hammer show some light open flowing scroll with banknote border lining filigree on the lock. It is marked “A Wurfflein/Phila”, the very beginning of the marking is hidden beneath the hammer. The hammer is a quality later replacement but not of the very fine quality that Wurfflein was known for. The arm features extensive German Silver furniture, all fully engraved with open flowing foliate or flowing scroll. There is a nose cap. Long fore stock inlay, dual spur trigger guard with faceted butt and engraved toe plates. The lock screw escutcheon is an open flowing scroll as seen on John Wurfflein examples, and the pendulum style patchbox has very nice engraving as well. The American walnut stock rates very fine with a nice flared left-side cheekpiece and checkered grip area. It shows perhaps an old cleaning many years ago, and has an additional oval silver monogram plate on the left stock flat, which is un-engraved. Equipped with double set triggers and a double-acting lock, an antique ramrod is included. Andrew was active in Philadelphia from 1835 to 1870, and was William Wufflein’s father, John was his brother. A very attractive example of these quality-made Philadelphia rifle!