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LOT 3235
Cased Engraved William Wingert Detroit Heavy Barrel Half-Stock Percussion Bench Rest Target Rifle for Picket Bullets with
Scope - NSN, 44 cal., 34 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. William Wingert of Detroit, Michigan, was active c.
1845-1867, and this appears to have been his personal rifle. The heavy barrel measures 1 1/2 inches across the flats and is marked “Wm.
WINGERT/DETROIT” and fitted with a false muzzle as well as a “G.T. ABBEY/CHICAGO ILL.” (George T. Abbey, various addressed including
220 Lake Street, Chicago) marked scope and also has additional empty taps. The lock is unmarked and is fired with an adjustable single
set trigger enclosed in a spurred trigger guard. The lock and mounts are mostly scroll engraved. The forend cap is pewter. The Walnut
case has a silver plaque on the lid inscribed “WM. WINGERT/DETROIT/MICHIGAN” and contains a Sykes powder flask engraved “WW” and
embossed silver hunting scene plaque, bullet mold (handwritten “WINGERT” on wooden handle), a second bullet mold, spirit level front
sight, peep sight, bullet swages, patch cutter, oil vessel, key, and bullet starter.
CONDITION: Very fine with 75% plus original finish, minor dings and scratches, some light oxidation/pitting, and a small crack in the right
side of the forend. The trigger is at fault; otherwise, mechanically fine. The scope optics are mostly clear, and the crosshairs are distinct.
The case and accessories are fine with age and storage related wear. A bench rest for the barrel is absent.
Provenance: William Wingert; The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
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