For your consideration is a William Beck half-stock rifle in excellent condition. I believe this rifle to have been made sometime in the middle or late 1800’s. When I initially purchased this piece, it was listed as being a .45 cal. My calipers show that it’s more like a .44, and it would probably do well with .430-.435 balls. Barrel has some light surface rust, but no substantial pitting to speak of. Rifling is strong. Although the stock has some minor nicks and dings, there are no cracks whatsoever and it is in excellent shape for its age. It’s my opinion the stock has been refinished. Trigger is exceptionally light and is of the double-set, single-phase variety. The lock functions well with a positive half and full cock. Barrel appears to be marked “Remington” on the bottom flat.
For those who aren’t aware, William Beck was the grandnephew of John Phillip Beck, a master gunsmith in Lebanon, PA. A rifle built by J. P. Beck was presented to President George Washington, and is currently exhibited in the Frazier Museum in Kentucky. This firearm will be accompanied by an original document from W. Beck & Son.
I’m asking $1,450 (shipped anywhere in the CONUS) and I accept most forms of payment. Thanks for looking!
