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LOT 1279
Exceptional Finely Engraved and German Silver Mounted/Decorated J. Harder Back Action Percussion Over/Under Combination Rifle/ Shotgun - Serial no. 170, 24 gauge, 32 inch part octagon bbl., brown finish, walnut stock. Jacob Harder was a gunmaker active in Athens and Lock Haven,
Pennsylvania, as well as just across the state line from Athens in Waverly, New York. It features a .44 caliber rifled barrel over a 24 gauge shotgun barrel. The upper barrel
has a German silver blade front sight, a notch rear sight, scroll engraving, “J. HARDER/LOCK HAVEN PA” marked on the upper flat near the breech, and additional scroll engraving and a German silver band at the breech end. There are additional German silver bands and scroll engraving on the breech plug, and the locks have light scroll and border engraving. The gun features adjustable double set triggers, a ramrod fit along the left side of the barrels, and a checkered buttstock with rounded cheekpiece, German silver furniture and accent plates, and some nice figure. CONDITION: Very fine with more than half of the light Damascus patterns visible on the upper barrel and a mix of fading original brown finish and smooth gray and brown patina on the barrels, dark gray and brown patina on the plugs and locks, attractive light aged patina on the German silver, and generally only light overall wear. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering, some minor scrapes and dings, and attractive figure. Mechanically excellent. A truly exceptional American percussion longarm! Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1280
Exceptional J.H. Johnston Great Western Gun Works .50 Percussion Over/Under Double Rifle - NSN, 50 cal., 34 inch octagon bbl., brown/ casehardened/nickel finish, walnut stock. This rifle from J.H. Johnston’s Great Western Gun Works on Smithfield Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the latter half of the 19th century remains in very high condition and appears to have seen little if any use. Both .50 caliber rifled barrels are browned and are marked “CAST STEEL” on the right flats. The upper barrel is also marked “J.H. JOHNSON” followed by “GREAT WESTERN/GUN WORKS” and “PITTSBURGH” on top and is equipped with a nickeled brass front sight and adjustable sporting rear sight. A pair of ramrods are fitted to the sides. The back action locks are marked “J.H. JOHNSON” (left side double stamped). The rifle is equipped with
adjustable double set triggers. If both locks are cocked, both will fire when the trigger is pulled. The spurred trigger guard, buttplate, and toe plate are nickel plated brass while the patchbox and oval inlay on the bottom of the stock appear to be German silver. The stock has a checkered wrist. CONDITION: Very fine with 80% plus original brown finish along the barrels with minor fading and distinct markings. 40% original case colors, some fading of the nickel, light aged patina on the furniture, and very minor age and storage related wear overall. The stock is also very fine and has crisp checkering, smooth oiled finish, and light dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. The prior owner noted that “while plain, this rifle exhibits fine workmanship and design throughout. There are few double rifles that will top it.” Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 1281 A.R. Davis New York Percussion Over/Under Combination Gun - NSN, 40 Cal./16 gauge, 33 5/8 inch octagon and part octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/German silver finish, walnut stock. Approximately .40 caliber rifled full-octagon barrel over a 16 gauge smoothbore part-octagon lower barrel. The upper barrel has a dovetailed blade front sight, adjustable sporting rear sight, “AR. DAVIS/DEPOSIT. N.Y” marked on top of the breech section. A folding peep sight is on the upper tang. The gun features back action locks, an adjustable single set trigger, German silver furniture, and a smooth buttstock. If both locks are cocked, both will fire at the same time. CONDITION: Very good with considerable original brown finish remaining on the upper barrel and a mix of gray and brown
patina on the balance of the steel, some mild pitting at the breech, and light aged patina on the German silver. The stock is very good with mild wear and some thin cracks at the breech. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
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