JACOB HARDER BUFFALO HUNTERS FORAGING RIFLE

***SALE PENDING***This is a very rare rifle made by Pennsylvania gunsmith, JACOB HARDER.  Jacob Harder was active in Athens, Pa. and later Lock Haven, Pa. ca. 1844 - 1890.  He made percussion, Pennsylvania rifles, pistols, and cased dueling pistols.  The rifle is marked on top of the barrel,"J. Harder LockHaven Pa. Pat'd Jun 9, 1885." This very unusual rifle is an over-under with a .38/55 rifle barrel on top and a 12 gauge shotgun barrel underneath. The barrels are 32" long.  The number "91" is stamped on the bottom of the barrels just in front of the hinge. The right side of the barrels is stamped, ".38" over "12."  The overall length of the rifle is 49". This rifle was most likely a buffalo hunter's foraging rifle because of the powerful .38/55 rifle cartridge.  Except for a small area of light pitting roughness to the sides of the barrels at the muzzle end, the metal surfaces are mostly smooth blueish brown patina. Both bores show some pitting and roughness but rifling is very visable. The rifle barrel trigger is adjustable.  It has a silver-blade front sight.  The very nice stock has a few minor dings but no cracks or chips.  As you can see, the overall style of this rifle is very similar to the earlier, traditional, Pennsylvania rifles.  A VERY RARE RIFLE.