Pacific Rifle Company 1837 Zephyr Model 8 Bore 24.75” Percussion Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,002.57
LSB#: LSB250824LT014
Make: Pacific Rifle Company
Model: 1837 Zephyr
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Gauge: 8 Bore
Action Type: Muzzleloading, Dual Cap Ignition, Single Shot
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “manufact’d by PACIFIC RIFLE CO. model of 1837” and “8-bore”.
Barrel Length: 24.75” Damascus
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set atop the barrel. The rear sight is a U notch sight dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is smooth wood with straight comb, straight wrist, steel buttplate, and side mounted ram rods. The stock has a couple of light compression marks and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14.25″ from the fronts of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall the stocks are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Browned, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is very light erosion in the bore. There is some light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 6.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are a couple of light scratches and nicks throughout. The leading edges on the damascus barrel have some thinning. The screw heads are sharp with strong slots. The markings are clear. There is some corrosion on the barrel. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good condition .
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety lock works correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Pacific Rifle Company Model of 1837 “Zephyr” is a modern reproduction inspired by the broad-shouldered, large-bore percussion rifles of the pre–Civil War American frontier. This example is in 8 Bore, giving the user the visual presence of a heavy, early-19th-century sporting rifle. The 24.75-inch Damascus barrel retains roughly three-quarters of its browned finish with thinning along the high edges, scattered handling marks, and small patches of oxidation consistent with storage. The walnut stock remains in Excellent shape, showing only light marks with no cracks or structural issues. The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling, minor fouling, and light erosion, rating approximately 6.5/10.
Mechanically, the rifle operates properly with functional dual-cap ignition and a working safety, reflecting the builder’s intent to replicate the look and handling of an 1830s percussion piece while maintaining modern reliability. These Pacific Rifle Co. reproductions are relatively scarce and admired for their period-correct styling, Damascus barrels, and evocative early-American profile. This example remains a clean, attractive, and fully functional representative of the type—well suited for a black-powder enthusiast, living-history interpreter, or collector of modern artisan-built rifles patterned on the first generation of American cap-lock sporting arms. We are no longer offering layaway. Please see our photos and good luck with your bid! -N.P
