Scoped Heavy Barrel Percussion Target Rifle by W.W. Wetmore of Lebanon, NH

NSN, .52 Caliber, 30" heavy octagon barrel with gain-twist rifling and an excellent, bright bore.  This is a splendid, New Hampshire-made target rifle that has mottled gray-brown patina along the "W.W. WETMORE / LEBANON, N.H." marked barrel, and a more plum-brown patina on the false muzzle, which is recessed for use with either a linen or paper cross patch (he is referred to in "The Muzzle-Loading Cap Lock Rifle" by Ned Roberts {1958} as, along with George Schalk, being one of the few American gunmakers who made rifles adapted in that manner).  The robust back-action lock and trigger guard have a matching gray-brown patina as well.  Some mild surface oxidation is present on and around the nipple and bolster.  The rifle has a drilled and tapped hole on the underside for mounting a no longer present barrel rest, and is equipped with an unmarked period telescopic sight that has good, if slightly dim optics, and an intact crosshair reticle.  No provision for iron sights are present.  The walnut buttstock is in fine shape with few handling marks in the original oil finish, and there is a dark brown patina on the steel buttplate.  The action is fully functional with a smooth light pull on the double-set trigger, and weighs 22 lbs. 13 oz. without the false muzzle installed.  W.W. Wetmore (or Whetmore, as his name is sometimes spelled) operated from approximately 1870 – 1895, first in Lebanon, NH, and then in Windsor, VT.  He was well-known for making precision gain-twist rifles, and this example is in fine overall condition.  Antique