May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
This near workbench condition rifle is featured as plate no. 50 on page 58 of "The Kentucky Rifle and Me" by Edith Cooper. The rifle features an unsigned full octagon barrel, with a dovetailed brass blade front sight and a notched iron rear sight. The hand-forged American lock has a molding at the tail and a flat plate. This lock was probably made by Reedy himself. The brass furniture includes a classic Reedy four-piece patchbox with finely engraved scrolls around the edges and on the top of the lid. The edges on all of the brass furniture are very sharp and show almost no use. The fine figured tiger maple stock is of classic Berks County form, with a Roman nose buttstock. There are relief carved panels around the lock and sideplate, terminating in with beavertails at the backs. There are also relief carved scrolls on both sides of the wrist, but much more extensive on the left side. There is an unengraved silver oval escutcheon inlaid on the top of the wrist. Around the barrel tang is Leonard Reedy's classic carving, with scrolls surrounding an oval panel of punch dot checkering. There is a relief carved design below the molded cheekpiece. Behind the cheekpiece is a splendid display of the artwork that master Leonard Reedy was capable of. The relief carved "C" scrolls are masterfully carved with great detail and incised designs as well. There are also incised scrolls on both sides of the fore-stock, surrounding the ramrod entry ferrule. A relief molding continues on both sides of the forend, towards the muzzle. CONDITION: Barrel has sharp edges and retains much of the original brown surface below freckles of patination. Lock retains much of its original polish, with some scattered heavier patina. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration. Mechanism is very strong and functions properly. Brass furniture shows no wear or marks from use, and has a pleasing mustard patina. Stock is excellent, with no damage or restoration. There is a small age crack stemming from the center of the buttplate on the left side that extends somewhat into the carving. There is some areas around the lock with losses to finish due to black powder use. Stock retains its original finish and shows only a couple light storage marks. Rear sight is a contemporary replacement. Complete with its original striped wooden ramrod. Ramrod has a missing large splinter at the tip towards the muzzle. The carving and edges on this rifle are unbelievably crisp and well preserved. This rifle is in nearly the condition it was when it was made. A fine Golden Age relief carved Kentucky rifle featured in the book of a well-known collection. DMG
CORRECTION: Accompanied by a binder of information on Leonard Reedy and copies of this gun pictured in the book, other information on the maker, and articles written on Reedy and associated makers.
Caliber/Bore
.45 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
Leonard Reedy, Attr.
Paperwork
Binder of information