Benjamin Coles was born Ohio in 1815 and probably began working as a gunsmith about 1835. He moved to Warren County, Iowa in 1855 2 years after his 7th son, Lewis, was born. He then moved to Nora, Nebraska in 1880 and died there in 1890.
The rifle is quite decorative for the period and has an unusual capbox situated on the cheek piece. Notice the acorn finials at either end of the capbox. The rifled barrel is 37 inches and about .38 cal. The quality of curly maple is good and the surface is original and quite pleasing. Cracked through the wrist and repaired in period, the repair could be redone with better results. A 4 inch strip of wood is missing along the forestock and the trigger guard is missing. Pictured is a new guard which fits well. Ramrod is missing.
After successful restoration the piece will be more pleasing and valuable. This is the only rifle by Coles I’ve seen and is very good quality.
Please Contact Artisan Directly for Purchasing Information:
Timothy Hodges
AspenShadeLTD.com
844 Round Hill Road
Winchester, VA
22602
US
Phone: (540) 662-5438
Email: thhodges@comcast.net
