James Golcher J. Douglass Philadelphia Long Rifle .45 Cal 43″ Cap & Ball
Sold For: $2,125
LSB#: 200804MB27
Make: James Golcher
Model: Pennsylvania Long Rifle
Serial Number: None.
Year of Manufacture: 1830s-1840s, Antique
Caliber: Approximately .45 Caliber Ball
Action Type: Single Shot, Muzzle Loaded percussion Cap & Ball Rifle with Set Triggers
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “J. DOUGLASS” and has scrollwork around the sights. The lockplate is marked with decorative scrolls and “JA GOLCHER / PHILADA”. The hammer is marked with scroll engraving. The brass plate on the left is marked with beautiful scroll engraving. The decorative inlays on the wrist and left side of the butt have border engraving. The patch box is beautifully scroll engraved.
Barrel Length: 43″ Octagonal, approximately 0.5″ across the flats.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a shallow “U”-notch dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece hardwood with a very attractive grain, with nosecap, decorative inlays, light cheekpiece, patchbox, brass toe plate, and a crescent buttplate. The toe has a chip loss repair about 1”. The stock displays some scuffs, draglines, light compressions, and handling marks. There are seven pins on the stock, they are visible on either side of the forend. There are a few little marks through the finish. The LOP measures 12 1/4″ and 11 1/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has impact marks, scratches, and tarnish. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Browned
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly dark and the rifling is pronounced. There is infrequent scattered light erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in scattered minor surface oxidation which blends well with the browned finish. There are a few scattered light nicks, scuffs, and scratches. There are some scabs and spots of discoloration from previous oxidation. The heaviest scabs are at the base of the barrel around the nipple. There are some impact marks. The brass components have some tarnish and draglines. The lock plate has some heavy patina, erosion, and some scabbing. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly, the hammer does not engage and will fall freely. The hammer will cock very infrequently and the trigger pull is very very light and nice when set. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: There is a wooden ramrod stored under the barrel.
Our Assessment: This Pennsylvania Long Rifle is a beauty! With full stock decorated with inlays, browned octagonal barrel, and classic styling, it is an excellent example of an American classic. The mechanics need a bit of work, but this is a beautiful piece for the gunroom. This one is marked J. Douglass on the barrel and JA Golcher Philadelphia on the lock. Golcher was a known maker of lockwork and components and in the 1830s he started crafting his own guns. The Douglass marking may be an owner or possibly a maker from before they were building complete guns who used one of their locks. No matter the case, this is a beautiful rifle crafted with care and passion that you just don’t see these days. This is a great addition to just about any collection of American antiques! Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This percussion rifle can be transferred/sold in California.
