H.E. Lemen Pennsylvania .54 Swamped Barrel Percussion Rifle, 1860s Antique
SOLD FOR: $1775
LSB#: 210525LS05
Make: H.E. Lemen
Model: Pennsylvania Rifle
Serial Number: NSN
Year of Manufacture: c. 1860s
Caliber: .54 Caliber
Action Type: Muzzle-Loading Percussion Musket
Markings: The top of the barrel has partial marking that may be “WARRANTED”. The right side panel below the the nipple is marked “H.E. LEMEN / LANCASTER, PA”
Barrel Length: 37” Octagonal Swamped Barrel that is 1” wide at the muzzle.
Sights/Optics: The front sight a brass blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch dovetailed into the barrel.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth wood with straight grip, straight comb with cheek piece, brass forend cap, and brass crescent buttplate. There is a wooden ramrod. There is a flush brass patchbox screw-set into the right side of the buttstock. The stock has light nicks, dings, and drag lines throughout. There are more notable nicks along the edges of the belly. The stock appears to have a series of cracks that have been mended that run from the right side of the receiver forward to the muzzle. There are intermittent chips along the edges of the stock from the receiver to the forend cap. The LOP is 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has nicks throughout, the ends are lightly dented, and a portion is missing at the toe. Overall, the stock rates in Good condition, as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with moderate erosion throughout.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. The barrel has gone entirely to a light patina. The sideplates, hammer and percussion cap have light surface oxidation throughout. The screws show minor tool marks with strong slots, and visible markings are generally clear. Overall, this air rifle rates in Good condition, as antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The designer of this rifle, one H.E. Lemen began working on firearms at the age of 16 when he worked for the Tryon company in the early 1830s. Still a young man, he returned to his hometown and opened his own factory. His firearms were well regarded and apparently tremendously popular with the American public. This long rifle is a swamped-barrel version, thinner in the middle, the product of a very capable barrel maker. This antique is in Good condition, but does have some significant wear, with a series of cracks down the stock, and a bore that is rather dark. However, this rifle is primarily a decorative piece—it is very nice to look at, and is evocative of a great period of American history and industry. If nothing else, it will serve as a fun restoration project. Good luck and happy bidding.