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CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The rifle has a mottled mixture of faded original brown finish and brown patina along the length of the barrel which also has moderate pitting at
the breech. The lock has a mostly gray patina with some
light pitting. The brass components have primarily a lightly attractively aged patina. The trigger guard has a heavier aged patina. The interior of the patchbox has bright verdigris. The silver components have a darker aged patina, especially on the cheekpiece plate which is blackened. The stock is very good
as lightly sanded and re-oiled. The checkering near the breech and part of the carving is smoothed, there is some minor flash
damage near the bolster, and otherwise only limited slight dings and light scratches. The lock and set triggers function fine. This is a beautiful rifle built by one of the classic early American rifle makers. It has all the hallmarks of a Golden Age rifle: fine lines, an ornate patch box, carving, engraving, and silver inlays. This is quite possibly the finest known example of a John Armstrong percussion long rifle, and once a part of the famous William Locke collection!
Provenance: William M. Locke; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 110,000 - 160,000
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