19th Century Trade Rifle .72 Cal Flintlock Smoothbore ATF Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,525.00
LSB#: LSB251004RT057
Make: Unknown
Model: Trade Rifle
Serial#: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: Unkown
Caliber: .72 Smoothbore
Action Type: Muzzleloading, flintlock
Markings: There are mixed proof marks, faked British or possibly Arabic origin.
Barrel Length: Approximately 45”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a post soldered to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece smooth wood with 3 bands. There are scratches, dents and chips throughout. The toe of the stock has been repaired. There are spots of receded wood. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: steel in the white
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is rusty and pitted. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 3 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about none of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There are corrosion stains throughout. The muzzle of the gun has lots of rust and pitting. The screw heads are marred but serviceable. The pins have some light to moderate marring. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair condition for an antique.
Mechanics: This musket is missing its flint but the lock appears to be functional. We did not fire this musket. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This nineteenth century trade rifle reflects the broad category of utilitarian flintlock arms produced for commerce, frontier use, and export during a period when firearms were as much trade goods as weapons. Such rifles were commonly manufactured in Europe and distributed through colonial, mercantile, or regional trade networks, often finding their way into North America, Africa, or the Near East. The long barrel, simple furniture, and large bore are characteristic of arms intended for durability and versatility rather than refinement, with many examples assembled from mixed components to meet demand rather than adhere to a single national pattern.
Chambered as a .72 caliber smoothbore, this rifle would have been capable of firing round ball, shot, or improvised projectiles, making it well suited to hunting, defense, or trade utility. The flintlock ignition system represents the dominant technology of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, prized for its simplicity and ease of field maintenance. The presence of mixed or possibly spurious proof marks is not uncommon on trade arms, as markings were frequently added to suggest British or foreign origin and enhance market appeal, particularly in export contexts.
Condition reflects long use and age. The bore is heavily rusted and pitted, rating 3 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion, and the exterior metal surfaces show extensive corrosion, scuffs, and loss of finish, with notable rust and pitting at the muzzle. The wood stock exhibits scratches, dents, chips, areas of receded wood, and a repaired toe, yet remains structurally intact and presents in Good condition for an antique trade arm. Mechanically, the lock appears functional though the flint is missing, and the rifle was not fired. Overall, this piece stands as an honest, well-worn example of a nineteenth century trade rifle, offering tangible insight into the utilitarian firearms that supported commerce and frontier life during the flintlock era. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! MF
