31811-HAMPSHIRE COUNTY, VIRGINIA PERCUSSION LONGRIFLE ATTRIBUTED TO NATHANIEL OATS CA. 1840-1850. 48” o/a with 33” part octagon, part round smoothbore .58 caliber barrel recycled from a Harpers Ferry U.S. model 1803 rifle with no visible markings or proofs. Original Harpers Ferry front and rear sights. Back action lock with light floral engraving marked “WARRANTED”. Full length maple stock with brass mounts. Island brass patchbox with light border and star burst engraving. Double set triggers. Unsigned but with very distinctive Hampshire County stock configuration with butt form, cheek rest and moldings identical to the Oats rifle illustrated in Lambert and Whisker’s book “GUNSMITHS OF WEST VIRGINIA” page 144. Additionally, the handmade triggers are also very nearly identical. Unrestored condition overall with minor wood missing about lock and along forend. Otherwise in good original condition with nice metal patina and lock and triggers in working order. Rare Virginia rifle from Hampshire County which is now part of West Virginia re-utilizing a Harpers Ferry Model 1803 barrel from the Arsenal which is very near Hampshire County.