A percussion target rifle by Mark Bristlen

Provenance: Morges, Vaud
Dating: 1840 circa
Dimensions: length 139 cm.
Condition: good
Heavy, octagonal, rifled, 17 mm cal. barrel (bore with light pitting, visible rifling), with silver frame at both ends, rear sight and foresight; with fine oval mark at the base with a cockerel between the initials "Bristlen"; forward spring lock with flat lock plate, signed "M. Bristlen à Morges" in cursive. Working two-snap trigger mechanism, also featuring a set trigger. Wooden full stock with palm rest and checkered grip. Iron mounts with anatomical, adjustable trigger guard. Horn-tipped, wooden ramrod. Fine strap of a later time, made of beautiful embroidered fabric and lined with leather, marked "BIONDINI TRIPOLI".