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LOT 3257
Professional Copy of an Engraved and Relief Carved John Armstrong Flintlock
American Long Rifle with Antique “JA” Signed Lock - NSN,
42 cal., 40 inch octagon bbl., antiqued finish, curly maple stock.
This very attractive rifle is
careful “resurrected” copy of a
John Armstrong rifle built by a
talented gunmaker using both
fabricated and antique components,
including a rare original “JA” signed
lock. The consignor indicated they
have owned this rifle for over
60 years. The antique barrel has
traditional blade and notch sights
and has an added “JA” signature. The rifle is equipped with antique double set triggers and
primarily brass mounts including an engraved John Armstrong style four-piece patchbox
with a heel release and heart pierced toe plate. The highly figured curly maple stock
features German silver inlays, including a cheekpiece plate engraved with a patriotic
eagle motif and fine molding and well-executed relief carving.
CONDITION: Very good overall with an attractive antique appearance
overall, distinct engraving and relief carving, and moderate wear on
some parts. The adjustment screw from the set triggers is absent,
but the reconverted lock and triggers mechanically function. This is a
beautiful example of the iconic Kentucky rifle built with a rare original John
Armstrong lock.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3256
Engraved, Silver Mounted, and Incised Carved Flintlock American Long Rifle with
Desirable “Reading” Inscribed Patchbox - NSN, 45 cal., 42 inch octagon bbl., brown finish,
maple stock. The consignor attributed this rifle to William Shener of Reading, PA, active 1779-1785.
The rifled barrel has a silver blade front sight and iron notch rear sight. There appears to have been
a signature on the top of the barrel that has long since faded. The lock signature appears to be “W.
Copper.” The silver wrist escutcheon is inscribed “GE,” and the silver wedge escutcheons have floral
engraving. The cheekpiece has a silver hunter’s star with engraved radiating lines. The sideplate, forend
wear plate, and buttplate are plain. The toeplate is engraved. The patchbox has a beautiful engraved
bird’s head finial, light engraving on the sideplates, and “Reading” neatly inscribed on the patchbox
lid. The stock has nice molding along the ramrod channel and bottom of the butt, a nice Roman nose
profile, and incised scroll carving behind the cheekpiece. A worm and a few patches are within the
patchbox. This rifle is part of a group of several known rifles with very similar “Reading” inscriptions
on the patchbox lids, but their other details vary. One of the known rifles is dated “1812.”
CONDITION: Very good as reconverted to flintlock configuration with mix of dark brown patina and mild oxidation, natural
aged patinas on the brass and silver, crisp engraving, and mild overall wear. The stock is fine and has nice flame figure, distinct
carving, light scratches and dings, a repaired crack at the toe from shrinkage, and some wear at the breech. Mechanically
functions. Overall, a very attractive and distinctive rifle.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
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