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LOT 3279 Engraved A.S. Bisbing Percussion Swivel Breech Double Rifle - NSN, 48 cal., 31 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/ bright finish, curly maple stock.
The Kentucky Rifle Foundation notes: “Amos S. Bisbing was taxed in Tannersville, Monroe
Co., PA. in 1861. Well made double
rifles are extant that bear his name.”
That is certainly the case here. Both barrels have “A.S. BISBING/MAKER” on their top flats
along with nickel-silver front sights, notch rear sights, “J. WORL” barrel maker marks, “1” and “2”, and scroll engraving.
A ramrod is fitted on one side and the brass fittings have scroll and floral engraving as do the back action lock, German silver
patchbox, and brass furniture. The cheekpiece has German silver star pattern engraving, and the stock has lovely figure. CONDITION: Very good with mix of fading original finish and gray and brown patina, distinct
engraving, some mild marks and scratches, and generally fairly light wear overall mainly related to age and storage rather than use. The stock is fine and has attractive figure, some minor scratches and dings, a small hairline crack in the butt, and light edge wear. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
Attributed to Christian Detwiler with Silver
Patriotic Motif - NSN, 45 cal., 37 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., brown/silver/bright finish, curly
maple stock. This rifle was previously noted as having strong similarities with rifle 250 in “Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle
in Its Golden Age”that is signed“P. Smith.”There was an elder and younger Peter Smith, presumed father and son, making Huntingdon School rifles in the mid to late 19th century. On the current rifle, the only markings are “CD” in script on the side plate, and this marking along with the very distinctive patchbox design leads us to attribute the work to Christian Detwiler. The same patchbox is shown on a Christian Detwiler rifle on page 75 of “Gunsmiths of Bedford, Fulton, Huntingdon, & Somerset Counties” by Whisker and Yantz. The barrels are both rifled and have silver blade front sights and notch rear sights. The a ramrod is fitted on one side, and the brass plates are engraved with ornate floral and scroll patterns. The lock has scroll engraving. The side plate has a sun pattern, a sailing ship, and “CD”. The stock has seven engraved silver inlays, a very elaborate patchbox with a pair of kissing birds on the finial and pair on the sideplates along with floral engraving on the lid, toe plate that extends to under the rear of the trigger guard and features coordinating engraving, and an engraved comb plate. The silver inlays on the cheekpiece include a spread wing eagle and arrows design. CONDITION: Very good. The barrels have mottled brown patina and some mild pitting. The lock has a dark bluish patina and mild pitting. The brass and silver display attractive aged patina and crisp engraving. A couple of the inlays on the wrist are coming loose. The partially restored stock is good with some filler by the lock, nice figure, and mild wear. Mechanically fine. Provenance: N. Flayderman & Co., Inc.; Property of a Gentleman. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 3281 American Percussion Swivel Breech Double Rifle - NSN, 45 cal., 37 3/4 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/bright finish, curly maple stock. Both barrels on this piece are rifled and have traditional blade and notch sights. They are unsigned, but one has an oval brass inlay. The rifle has been attributed to Charles Roth of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, c. 1840s. The back action lock and brass furniture are also plain. The stock is nicely figured. CONDITION: Very good with mottled gray and brown patina on the barrels along with mild oxidation, darker patina on the lock, aged patina on the brass, and mild overall wear. The stock is also fine and has nice figure, mild finish wear, some scratches and dings, and a crack at the toe. Mechanically fine.
LOT 3280
Very Ornately Engraved American
Percussion Swivel Breech Double Rifle
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750 169