Antique M.M. Benson Half Stock Percussion Kentucky Rifle Approximately .36 Caliber

Antique featuring a 35" octagon barrel measuring 3/8" across flats. Top flat is marked "M.M. Benson". Benson worked in Eastern West Virginia circa mid 1800s. Unmarked trade lock with border & scroll engraving. Double set triggers. Blade front sight with elevator adjustable buckhorn rear sight. Half length cheekpiece stock of curly maple with pewter nose cap. German silver trigger guard, Schuetzen buttplate, and oval lid patch box. Stock is decorated with 21 engraved aluminum inlays including ovals, diamonds, hearts, wings, cornucopia, and dots plus an aluminum toeplate. Aluminum was a rare metal during this period. Hickory wood with artificial striping and four groove cleaning rod. Two pipes on iron under rib. CALIBER: 36 Caliber. S/N: N/A. FFL STATUS: Antique.
Condition Report: Faded white finish metal has light tarnish. Light to moderate oxidation at the percussion igniter and out toward the muzzle. Stock has oil darkened appearance with scattered handling marks. No visible repair marks. Dark bore and good mechanics.