#152 • Joseph Hoebecker Mule Ear Side Hammer Rifle

Part of The Ray Howser Firearms Collection, 1931-2026 (timed auction by Lewis & Grant Auctions)

Starting at $250.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Nov 20, 2026 10:00 AM EST

.36 caliber, 31" octagonal barrel, NSN. Historical city records show a Joseph Hoebecker working in the mid 1800"s at 54 Barr Street Fort Wayne, Indiana.   Blade front sight with notched rear barrel sight. A dovetail where the rear sight once was is now filled in, a period repair. A mule ear side hammer percussion with engraved lockplate and the name in script "Joseph Hobecker". Beautiful tiger stripe maple stock. Engraved four piece patchbox, brass furniture and displays a fancy longer than standard toe plate.  Left side of stock with a cheek  piece and inlay of two Silver stars and 1/4 Moon.  Left flat with a escutcheon and Silver wire inlay. Six Silver inlays of moon style .  Ramrod is old replacement made of steel.  The stock has been lightly cleaned. The barrel with some old brown finish. The  lock is sharp and crisp with a nice mottled blue look.  Overall a very nice small rifle.  Joseph Hobecker was a 19th Century gunsmith that worked in Fort Wayne In., in the mid 1800's.  He operated his gunsmithing shop out of the rear of 54 Barr Street.