Antique New York Percussion Target Rifle by P.H. Klein .36 Cal

NSN, .36 Caliber, 27 3/4" heavy octagon barrel with a fine, bright bore that has traces of freckling within the grooves. This is a well-made rifle that has a plum-brown patina along the barrel, with silvering along the edges of the barrel facets. The top of the breech is clearly marked "P.H. KLEIN. N.Y." behind the filled barrel dovetail, but no other markings are visible. A mottled plum-brown patina is present on the lock and hammer, with a sheet brass flash fence on the bolster around the base of the nipple. No sights are fitted, but there is a mounting block at the muzzle and two vacant holes (one is tapped) on the top tang. Two ramrod thimbles are present on the underside of the barrel along with a second vacant dovetail. The wedge-fastened walnut stock has a solid pewter forend cap, and has German silver wedge escutcheons, spurred trigger guard, and Swiss style hooked buttplate. A small lozenge-shaped brass mounting plate is present just ahead of the trigger guard for a no longer present palm rest. Small handling marks are scattered about the surface of the reapplied varnish and the checkering on the wrist exhibits light-moderate flattening of the points. An elegant continental cheek-piece flows into the wrist on the left side of the butt, and the double-set triggers are fully functional with a crisp let-off, however the sear is worn and the action does not hold at full-cock. The rifle comes with its original false muzzle, but the ramrod is no longer present. Phillip H. Klein was a New York City maker who was active from 1865 until about 1875, and was known for making percussion target rifles. The rifle is in very good-near fine condition overall. Antique