Nice Indian Trade Rifle by H.E. Leman of Lancaster, PA.

Nice Indian Trade Rifle by H.E. Leman
Henry E. Leman of Lancaster, Pennsylvania was one of the most prolific rifle makers in the decades before the muzzleloader was made obsolete by breech-loading, cartridge guns.  A large number of his rifles have survived ‘til modern times.  His factory built all types of rifles, but he is probably best known for the trade rifles and trade guns he sold to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to be used as treaty annuity payments, gifts, and trade.

Here's an Indian Trade Rifle - a full length stock percussion seven groove heavy, full octagon barrel rifle in .50 caliber manufactured by H.E. Leman of Lancaster, PA. Brass blade fore-sight with small, elk rear sight.

The lock plate is marked “H.E. LEMAN LANCASTER PA” along with some artistic engraving. The brass furniture includes fore-end cap, ramrod thimbles, trigger guard, toe and butt plate and cartridge trap. The hardwood stock features a scant style Monte Carlo cheekpiece with brass tacks that run into the stock and the original  wooden ramrod. The barrel has a heavy brown patina with some mild pitting on the broken nipple. The lock plate is silver and black in color.

The engraving on the lock plate is worn but the makers identification is still sharp and clearly legible. The hammer works as expected with excellent spring tension. The stock has finish wear in several areas but mostly where the non trigger hand would grip the forestock. There are some surface cracks and indication of a repair in that same area. There is also some wood loss due to combustion just behind the nipple.





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