Manufacturer: J.R. Mestier-Louisina/Texas (c. late 18th c.)
Model: half-stock percussion rifle
Caliber: 48 cal.
Barrel Length: 39 in.
OAL: 56 in.
Condition: Fair-antique; wood stock has mostly light wear for age w/ a repair above the lock plate; barrel & lock plate have brown patina w/ scattered pitting; bore is dark & pitted w/ worn rifling; hammer not locking back
Includes: burl wood half-stock; wooden ramrod; set rigger; German silver trigger guard & buttplate; silver inlay mountings featuring crescent moon, star, hearts, Masonic symbol, and a round w/ an etched Great Seal of the U.S.; gold-plated hearts mounted on the barrel near the muzzle
Marked: both the lock plate and barrel are stamped "J.R. MESTIER"; lock plate has a faint failed stamping of "J.R MESTIER"; top of barrel has silver overlay with a name reading "....... White" in cursive script (hard to make out)
Note from owner: Half stock percussion rifle. By Mastier, Galveston, Corpus Christi. J. Mestier began his arms making career on the Louisiana coast. He re-located to Texas and operated in Gavelston and Corpus Christi during the third quarter of the 19th century.

Provenance: Property from the personal estate collection of iconic Texas businessman, civic leader and philanthropist Billy Joe Red McCombs (1927-2023) from his home in Olmos Park, Texas; previously on long-term loan to either San Antonio Academy or the Bexar County Courthouse; this lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity as property from the McCombs personal estate

No FFL NICS Check Required: Antique

reference #6