September 29, 2021 The Bill Myers Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2021
This early dog lock was purchased as lot 173 in part IV of the William Goodwin Renwick sale at Sotheby Parke-Bernet in Los Angeles. A copy of the listing is included. According to information from the University of Connecticut, James Phips was a gunsmith located at Kennebec River, Massachusetts Bay Colony between 1643 and 1671. The heavy, thick walled barrel has three stages and is tapered from the breech, square brass front sight and barrel tang secured from below with screw head in trigger floor plate. The very early flat lockplate has beveled edges and is engraved with a large "J./PHIPS". Lock features a dog lock safety catch at back tang and an early detached pan. Lock is retained by three lock screws and has an elongated iron sideplate with beveled edges. Three thin iron ramrod ferrules and blacksmith forged iron trigger guard terminating at both ends with arrows. Thick leather buttpad secured by a series of very early nails. Walnut stock of very early French influenced New England form. Top of wrist is branded G.E. GAY. Right side of buttstock is also double branded "G.E. GAY" and branded "1663". Complete with its original wooden ramrod with iron band at tip. CONDITION: Untouched and unaltered. Barrel retains an even brown patina. Lock is in its original configuration and still functions well, markings excellent. Lock retains a brown patina, some marring to screw heads. Iron furniture retains a dark patina. Stock retains a dark patina and shows scattered age cracks, scuffs, wear and marks from use. Some losses on both sides towards muzzle. A large period chip missing on top of right side of butt is smoothed from wear during its period of use. Brands on buttstock excellent, brand on wrist worn to an even level with wrist. Buttpad shows some deterioration around edges. Chip absent directly behind barrel tang. A very important and historic early American wall gun that is both maker signed and branded three times by the owner, as well as dated. PROVENANCE: Ex. William Goodwin Renwick. DMG