Vincent Ohio Half-Stock Golcher Lock .50 Cal Percussion Rifle 1800s Antique
Sold For: $5,225
LSB#: 200709ZP11
Make: Vincent (there are a series of Vincent gunmakers, from the same family, located in Ohio during the 1800s), Joseph Golcher Lock
Model: Ohio Half-Stock Percussion Rifle
Serial Number: None
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1850s-1880s
Caliber: .50 Caliber
Action Type: Single Shot, Muzzle Loaded Percussion Rifle with Set-Trigger
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “VINCENT”. The lockplate is marked “JOSEPH GOLCHER” on banner with some decorative engraving. There are decorative markings on the muzzle
Barrel Length: 36″, the barrel is approximately 1.18″ across the flats at the rear, tapering just slightly to approximately 1.13″ at the muzzle.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece maple with pewter nosecap, brass escutcheons, inlay on the cheekpiece, thumb-plate, crescent buttplate and toe-plate. The stock has scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are some very minor losses around the edges of the metal fixtures. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 12 5/8″ and 11 3/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The brass fixtures shows some verdigris and patina with light wear. Overall, the stock is in about Fine condition as Antique
Type of Finish: Browned
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. There is thinning at the edges and some scattered spots of minor erosion. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. The lockplate has some wear in its finish. The markings are clear. The screw heads range from tool marked with strong slots to disfigured with useable slots. Overall, this rifle appears in about Fine condition as Antique but rates about Good due to the Mechanics.
Mechanics: The hammer will not catch the sear unless the trigger has been set. There is no half-cock position. Given how unsafe it would be to cap the nipple with the hammer at full-cock and the trigger set, it is likely that this means the action is not functioning correctly, and you will want to have this addressed prior to firing. 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 brass-tipped wood ramrod stored under the barrel.
Our Assessment: The “Ohio Rifle”, much like the Kentucky or Pennsylvania rifles, will start fights when you try to define exactly what the term means, but with this rifle coming from a well known family of Ohio gunsmiths, we think it qualifies. With a 36″ .50 caliber barrel, about 1 1/8″ across the flats, set-trigger and fine sights, it should make for a great rifle for either target shooting or hunting. We think the lock needs a little work as the hammer will only catch the sear when the trigger is set and currently does not catch at any half-cock safety position. Once that has been addressed, this would make a great old rifle to get back out in the field or on the range. As it is now, it will make a great addition to a display of 19th century percussion rifles, especially if you don’t already have an Ohio Rifle in your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This muzzle loading rifle can be transferred/sold in California.
