European percussion full stock target rifle, lock plate engraved with "M Furrer Sursee" ; also "M: Furrer." on top of octagonal barrel, likely Sursee, Switzerland. With figured, carved and checkered stock with cheek bulge, single trigger, engraved border on lock plate and floral design on hammer; disc rear sight, tunnel front sight; butt plate with scrolled tail and acorn finial, rear sling swivel, muzzle recessed for bullet seater, 44 caliber. Overall 52 1/2" L, bbl 35 1/2" L.

Note: Walter Matson Cline (1873-1941) was a Chattanooga, TN, photographer and preeminent historian and collector of muzzle loading firearms. His book "the Muzzle-Loading Rifle Then and Now" became the authority on the history of black powder firearms when it was published in 1942, shortly after his death. The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, of which Cline was an early member, is headquartered in Friendship, IN, and is home to the Walter Cline shooting range. As this is an antique black powder firearm, no FFL is necessary.

PROVENANCE: By descent from the estate of Walter M. Cline, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Hammer holds and releases, clean bore, general wear, repairs to rear of stock with wood filler, repair to butt plate bottom extension, missing rod; refinished.