September 29, 2021 The Bill Myers Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2021
According to John Norton's correspondence with Henry Tatham and the Board of Ordnance, these warrior's rifles were intended for presentation or as a gift to warriors who had fought on the British side during the War of 1812. John Norton was a captain in the Indian Department and John Brant (1792 -1834) was his second and was a lieutenant in the Indian Department beginning in April of 1813. John Brant was an Indian Chief who supported the British and fought with them starting at the Battle of Queenston Heights, then on through the War of 1812. Although no records exist that any of this pattern were shipped to Canada, it is possible that someone presented the rifle to John Brant on one of his trips to England after the war. In 1821, he traveled to Great Britain as a representative of his people in an attempt to lobby the Crown regarding land rights for the native peoples in Canada. In 1830, Brant was the first Canadian Native to be elected to the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada as a representative for Haldimand. The octagonal barrel is deeply rifled and features a silver front blade sight and notched iron rear sight with two folding leaves, one for 100 yards, the other for 200 yards. The original British Crest that was once inlaid on top of the breech was replaced during the period with a silver block inscribed "J/Brant". There is a platinum band on each side of the inlaid name and a platinum lined touch hole. On the top flat, there is a broad arrow stamp followed by addorsed "R"'s, then inverted braid arrows denoting the rifle was condemned or sold out of service. Perhaps it was purchased by an officer or other supporter of Brant, dressed up and inscribed with the presentation, then given as a gift to Brant. The period alterations to this rifle include the added engraved silver oval shaped escutcheons surrounding each of the three barrel keys on both sides, the Brant inscription, and the presence of a French cock (perhaps replaced later). The lock has a rounded point tail section engraved with foliate engraving, inscribed "Tatham" in the center. Lock features a sliding half-cock tang safety, roller frizzen and waterproof pan. The silver octagon wrist escutcheon is un-engraved. The two-piece Baker rifle type patchbox is blued and engraved on the lid with military motifs. The iron rifle trigger guard is engraved throughout with foliate and acanthus leaf motifs and terminates in a pineapple finial at the front. Three iron ramrod ferrules. The plain walnut stock has shaped checkered panels around the wristband a carved relief cheekpiece on the left side of the buttstock. In front of the patchbox, the stock is stamped with a broad arrow, addorsed "R"'s, a number "32" and inverted broad arrows. CONDITION: Barrel polished bright, showing some wear to British markings, inscription plaque retains a pewter patina, rifling is very good. Lock retains much original blue on the plate, frizzen and cock have been replaced. Patchbox retains about 60-70% thinning blue finish. The furniture has mostly faded to grey with some traces of blue in protected areas. Stock retains much original finish with scattered areas of heavy crazing. Right side of forend shows fracturing stemming from rearmost barrel key escutcheon, with one small 2" sliver missing along barrel. Rearmost barrel key is absent. An important and historic presentation rifle to a famous Canadian Indian Chief. DMG