Bavarian Podewils Model 1858 .54 Caliber Percussion Rifle-Musket, Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,525.00
LSB#: LSB251022XX001
Make: Bavaria
Model: Podewils Model 1858
Serial#: 5441
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1858-1867, Antique
Caliber: 13.9mm (approximately .54 Caliber)
Action Type: Percussion Ignition Muzzle-Loaded Rifle-Musket
Barrel Length: 36″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed by the muzzle. The rear sight is a dovetailed two-position sight. The rear sight presents a low profile V-notch in the down position, when raised the sight presents three V-notches: one at the top marked “8”, one on the upper portion of the sight marked “6” and one at the center marked “5”.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one-piece wood featuring a nose cap with a fixed ferrule at the bottom which is secured by a spring-clip, two barrel bands secured by spring-clips (the forward barrel band has a sling swivel at the bottom), a slot in the forend for the included ramrod, a lock-plate opposite a side-plate, a sling swivel at the front of the trigger guard, a straight wrist, a straight comb, and metal butt-plate. The stock has some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. The stocks have been sanded and refinished and repaired at the wrist. The LOP is 13 1/4” from the trigger to the rear of the butt-plate. The butt-plate is coated in mild to heavy erosion. Overall, the stock is in Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Bright
Finish Originality: There is no evidence of a new finish applied, most surfaces show polishing.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion concentrated in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: The rifle has no surviving metal finish. The gun is coated in scattered patches of light surface erosion but is still somewhat bright, indicating polishg. There are some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. There is intermittent pitting throughout. The serials and proofs are clear. The rest of the marking are no longer visible. Overall, the rifle-musket is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Bavarian Podewils Model 1858 was a percussion rifle-musket which served the State of Bavaria from the percussion era into the self-contained cartridge era, though this half-step was for a breech-loading percussion rifle instead of a muzzleloader. Due to this conversion program, there may be fewer original configuration M1858s today than the conversions, making this a nice find for collectors of muzzloading military rifles. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid!
-Bud
