This Gallery or "parlor" gun is a concept that in unique to the late 19th Century. Starting in Germany and eventually finding its way to American shores by way of Immigrant clubs like the "Turners", the Schutzen-style shooting competitions became quite popular during the second half of the 19th Century; with clubs popping up all over the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. When space permitted, these shooting contests would be held at traditional shooting ranges, but in Urban areas, Schutzen matches were often held in basements, bars, or alleyways using small caliber, low velocity rifles that could be shot safely and relatively quietly in tight urban spaces. The rifles built for these urban matches were known as gallery or parlor rifles. There style and caliber varied greatly; with the most commonly encountered examples being of the Belgian "Flobert" variety.
Typically a parlor rifle was built "full size" with dimensions that would be similar to large caliber long range guns. However, unlike a traditional rifle, the actual barrel only consisted of roughly the last 12" of the gun's muzzle, while the rest of the "barrel" held a percussion nipple, a plunger and a spring loaded actuator that fired the cap. This allowed most parlor rifles to be fired with only the concussive force of a typical percussion cap, without the need to load powder under the projectile. It also allowed for a small (generally smaller than .22) caliber bullet to be loaded into a gun that could be comfortable shouldered and fired the same way one would shoot a full size gun.
With most Parlor rifles built for Schutzen clubs, its not surprising to learn that an overwhelming majority of existing models are of German manufacture with large aperture sights and Shutzen-style butt stocks. This is why we are pleased to offer this example: an American-made Parlor Rifle by J. Widmer of Newark NJ.
This rifle is in excellent condition. If features a brass frame with a great "mustard-colored" patina.
The stock was cut from lightly figured American walnut. It is in very good condition with no cracks or other damage.
The barrel is .177 caliber and rifled. The bore is in good shape. The spring loaded striker works well and locks in the cocked position and is released with the slightest touch of the adjustable single set target trigger.
We have actually test fired this gun with lead .177 hollow-based pellets and found it to be surprisingly accurate and enjoyable to shoot. It would be perfect for basement plinking or backyard varmint control.
