JH Hall Model 1819 U.S. Breechloading Percussion Rifle Conversion .52 cal

SOLD FOR: $1,875.00

LSB#:  LSB260215PM007

Make: Harpers Ferry

Model: 1819 2nd Production converted to Percussion

Serial Number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1826-1838 Antique

Caliber: .52 Cal

Action Type: Pivoting Breech Loading, Percussion, Single Shot, Black Powder Rifle.

Markings: The top of the breech block is marked “J.H. Hall, H. Ferry, US 1831”.

Barrel Length: 32 5/8″ Rifled

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a fixed V notch dovetailed into the barrel. The sights are offset to the left to clear the hammer. 

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is a full length one piece smooth walnut, three bands, sling mounts, straight grip, and smooth steel buttplate. The LOP is 14 1/2″ from trigger to buttplate. The stock has had some sanding and refinishing done. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are some small gouges scattered throughout. There are five hash marks on the right side of the buttstock. There are no cracks. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition for a refinish.

Type of Finish: Brown Lacquer, Case hardened.

Finish Originality:  Original but scrubbed.

Bore Condition:  The bore is semi bright and the rifling is well defined. There is light erosion and pitting. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish. The metal has been scrubbed. There is pitting scattered throughout. There is corrosion staining and scratches throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. The case hardening shows muted but color in protected areas. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition for a black powder antique. 

Mechanics:  This rifle appears to be functional. The nipple is seized but the firing channel is clear. There is minor movement of the breechblock. As with all used guns a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: Ramrod

Our Assessment: The J.H. Hall Model 1819 rifle is one of the most significant early U.S. military firearms, representing the first general-issue breechloading rifle adopted by the United States. Designed by John H. Hall and produced at Harpers Ferry, these rifles introduced a pivoting breechblock system that allowed faster loading compared to traditional muzzleloaders, marking a major step forward in small arms development. Originally manufactured as flintlocks and later converted to percussion, examples like this reflect the evolution of military technology in the early 19th century. Chambered in .52 caliber, the Hall rifle served U.S. forces during a period of experimentation and transition, bridging earlier smoothbore muskets and later rifled arms.

This example, dated 1831 on the breechblock, shows the characteristics of a working military rifle that has seen both service and later refurbishment. The metal surfaces have been scrubbed, leaving a muted appearance with scattered pitting, corrosion staining, and wear, though the primary markings remain clear and legible. The bore is semi-bright with well-defined rifling, rating 7/10, showing light erosion and pitting consistent with age and black powder use. The full-length walnut stock has been sanded and refinished, displaying handling marks, compression dents, and small gouges, along with five hash marks on the buttstock, but remains structurally sound. The offset sights, designed to clear the percussion hammer, remain intact and functional.

Mechanically, the rifle appears functional, with the pivoting breech operating as intended, though there is minor movement noted and the nipple is currently seized. These characteristics are consistent with a well-used antique that has seen long-term storage and use. The Hall rifle stands as a landmark in American firearms innovation, representing an early and influential departure from muzzleloading systems toward more efficient breechloading designs. This example presents as a solid and historically significant piece, retaining its defining features while reflecting the honest wear of nearly two centuries of existence. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF