December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
Joseph Perkins was a master armorer at Rappahanock Forge between 1775 and 1778. He became the first superintendent of the Continental Armory in Philadelphia between 1779 and 1781. This longarm is accompanied by an original May 16, 1781 edition, No. 2657 of "The Pennsylvania Gazette and Weekly Advertiser". In this edition there is an ad that reads "Perkin & County, At the corner of Second & Spruce-streets, Philadelphia, Beg leave to acquaint their friends and the public in general, that they carry on the GUN and PISTOL making in all its branches, where gentlemen may be supplied with Guns and Pistols of the neatest and best quality, on the shortest notice and most reasonable terms. They also blue and brown gun Barrels in the neatest manner. N.B.A A small quantity of Ship Musquests to sell." Perhaps this fowler was made around this 1781 period, when Perkin advertised that he was making guns for the private market. The 2-stage iron barrel has a hooked breech and the top flat is neatly engraved in block letters "I. PERKIN PHILADA." There is also a "MP / T" sunken cartouche on the left side of the breech. The recycled lock is from a Pattern 1756 or 1769 Brown Bess musket. The tail markings were professionally removed and the center is engraved with the British crown over "GR". Below the pan, there is a crown and broad arrow stamp, denoting that the lock was once owned by the British government. The brass furniture includes a buttplate with stepped 4-stage tang engraved with fine scrolls. The brass trigger guard has a front acorn finial. Brass ramrod ferules and thin escutcheons surrounding lock retaining screws. The walnut stock is of classic 18th century form, with the wrist extending into the buttstock. Complete with what appears to be its original wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a pleasing grey patina and markings are excellent. Some corrosion at breech. Lock retains a grey patina with some light pitting, lock is in its original flintlock configuration and functions well. Top jaw screw is replacement. Brass retains a pleasing mustard patina. Stock shows scattered minor age cracks and a small piece replaced above back tang. Some minor losses and splinters towards muzzle, one minor 3-1/2" x 1/8" piece replaced on left side, towards muzzle. A very nice signed Philadelphia fowler made by an important Revolutionary War maker. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.75 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
Joseph Perkin
Paperwork
Original 1781 Advertisement