This rifle is illustrated as plate 10 on page 22 of "California Gunsmiths 1846-1900" by Shelton and described as "Target rifle. Barrel stamped 'J. BACH SAN FRANCISCO CAL.', lock stamped 'J. BACH SAN FRANCISCO CAL.' Barrel length 30-1/2 inches; width across flats 1-11/16 inches. Rifling has six grooves .385 in diameter and lands .375 diameter; turned at muzzle for straight starter. German silver furniture; hole in trigger guard plate for palm rest; walnut stock." The muzzle is turned down for use with a bullet starter. The barrel also has a dovetailed blade front sight and a filler block in the rear sight dovetail, and a peep sight is mounted on the upper tang. The rifle is equipped with adjustable double set triggers. The stock has a checkered wrist and a shadowline cheekpiece. Page 20 of "California Gunsmiths" features a portrait and biography of German born California gunmaker John Bach (1824-1905) who worked in San Francisco from 1852-1874. In 1864 he won an award at the Mechanics Fair in San Francisco. He was also a competitive marksman and was involved in the Swiss Rifle Club of San Francisco and National Rifle Club. Provenance: The Jim Field Collection; The Chris Anderson Collection; The Hugh E. Hayes Collection; Private Collection

Very good, with mottled gray patina and oxidation/pitting on the lock and barrel, light aged patina on the German silver mounts, and mild overall wear. The re-oiled stock is fine and has crisp checkering, repaired cracks at the wedge on the right, cracks on the left at the breech and toe, and some attractive figure visible on the butt. Mechanically fine.