This rifle was made in New York City by John P. Moore. He is listed as a gunsmith at various addresses in NYC directories as early as 1820 through the 1850's. Guns made 1859 or later are marked "J P MOORE & SON". The business was continued by his sons through 1881. The New York State Firearms Trade, Vol. 5 by H J Swinney has quite a bit of information on him. There is a cased percussion target rifle pictured in the book that is of comparable quality, which is marked "J P MOORE & SON".