October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
According to "American Gunsmiths" by Frank Sellers, Henry Mason worked in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. There is also a Robert Mason that worked in Virginia circa 1775. The pistol dates to the Revolutionary War period or slightly earlier. The round barrel shows traces of decoration at the breech as well as traces of what appear to be English proofmarks. The hand-forged lock appears to be American and has crudely engraved scroll designs and tooled borders. It is crudely signed "MEASON" in the center in the familiar early American fashion. The brass furniture is crudely engraved with floral designs and broken-line borders. The buttcap features a grotesque mask. The cherry stock has well-executed a relief-carved shell around the barrel tang, ramrod is a contemporary replacement. CONDITION: Barrel retains a freckled grey patina. Lock retains a light grey patina with some freckling. Markings are excellent and lock is in original flintlock configuration, finial on frizzen spring is absent. Brass retains a mellowing patina with some scattered marks and traces of rouge in engraving and protected areas. Stock has about 4" professionally replaced on forend, as well as a couple minor slivers around sideplate and entry ferrule. A very nice early American pistol. PROVENANCE: Purchased from David R. Geiger.
Caliber/Bore
.69 Smoothbore