Engraved William R. Schaefer Percussion Double Rifle .52 Cal Muzzleloader
SOLD FOR: $1,558.33
LSB#: LSB260419DN074
Make: William R. Schaefer
Model: Side By Side Double Rifle
Serial#: 33
Year of Manufacture: Circa mid to late 19th century
Caliber: .52
Action Type: Side by Side, percussion, black powder, double rifle.
Markings: The lock plates are marked “W.R. Schaefer, Boston”. The top rib is also marked “W.R. Schaefer, Boston”. The underside of the barrels are marked “33” with British proof marks.
Barrel Length: 30″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a silver blade dovetailed into the rib. The rear sight is a fixed V notch dovetailed into the rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is two piece checkered walnut, tipped forend, straight grip, straight comb, with crescent iron buttplate. There are 3 traps, one with extra ball, one with extra sights and nipples, and one with a patch worm. The LOP is 13″ and 14″ from triggers to buttplate. The stock has been refinished. There are scratches and light compression dents throughout. The forend tip inlay is loose. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Very Good to Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Damascus
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are semi bright. The rifling is well defined. There is minor corrosion and pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion these bores rate 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 25% of its original finish. The twist pattern is still well defined. There is some wear just ahead of the locks. There are scratches and light corrosion stains. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: This rifle is in functional condition. The hammers hold full and half cock. The nipples are seized. The firing channels are clear. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used guns a full cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: Case
Our Assessment: This engraved William R. Schaefer side-by-side percussion double rifle is a desirable mid-to-late 19th century black powder sporting arm chambered in .52 caliber. The “W.R. Schaefer, Boston” markings on both lock plates and the top rib give it strong maker identity, while the British proof marks and matching “33” markings on the underside of the barrels add further period interest. The 30″ Damascus barrels, side-by-side rifle configuration, fixed V-notch rear sight, silver blade front sight, checkered walnut stock, crescent iron buttplate, and multiple stock traps give this rifle the character of a high-quality 19th century sporting or hunting double rifle.
Condition is Very Good overall, with the rifle retaining about 25% of its original finish while still showing a well-defined Damascus twist pattern. The metal shows some wear ahead of the locks, along with scratches and light corrosion staining, but the markings remain clear and the screw heads are sharp. The refinished checkered walnut stock is in Very Good to Excellent condition, showing scratches and light compression dents but no chips or cracks. The loose forend tip inlay should be addressed, but the stock remains attractive and structurally sound. The three stock traps, containing an extra ball, extra sights and nipples, and a patch worm, are excellent period-style accessories and add significantly to the rifle’s appeal and completeness.
The bores are semi-bright with well-defined rifling and only minor corrosion and pitting throughout, rating 8/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the rifle is functional, with both hammers holding at full and half cock and clear firing channels, though the nipples are seized and will require attention before any firing use is considered. The rifle has not been test fired, and a careful inspection by a qualified gunsmith familiar with antique percussion double rifles would be prudent. Overall, this is an attractive and historically interesting W.R. Schaefer Boston double rifle with strong maker markings, appealing Damascus barrels, functional lockwork, desirable accessories, and excellent antique sporting-rifle character. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF