Massachusetts Half-Stock Sporting Gun by Hitchcock & Muzzy

NSN, .44 Caliber, 28 1/2" octagon barrel with a good, lightly pitted, smooth bore. The barrel has a mottled plum-brown and gray patina with some patches of pinprick pitting scattered throughout. The hammer and lockplate likewise have a dark patina, with some traces of the original color case-hardening still visible on the edges. The makers' name is present on the right side of the barrel just ahead of the bolster: "HITCHCOCK & MUZZY"; and there is a simple blade front sight mated to a v-notch rear. Additionally, the tang has a vacant pedestal for mounting a no longer present rear aperture sight. The gun was initially rifled, but was bored smooth at a later date, thus removing the need for a target sight. The gun features a pewter forend tip, German silver trigger guard with single forward spur, faceted buttplate, simple toeplate, pendulum patchbox, and double-set triggers. The nicely figured walnut stock rates very good with scattered handling marks and minor blemishes marring the old varbnish. There is a 2" crack at the left side of the forend tip, with another crack on the right side running up from the lockplate for about 4". The gun has an old, replacement wooden ramrod, and the lock is fully functional. This is a handsome, New England percussion gun that rates good plus overall. Antique