January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
The smoothbore, octagon barrel has a partially visible signature of "P Heckert" in script. Philip Heckert is an extremely rare maker, only about four of his rifles are known to exist. Heckert worked in York County and was taxed as a gunsmith from 1779 through 1812 in York. He worked at the Armory in York after the American Revolution, until his death in 1812. He is considered a superior artisan and carver. The flat lockplate has a molding at the tail and beveled edges. The brass furniture includes a large patchbox with a pierced finial and engraved with foliate and floral scrolls. Patchbox is retained by seven screws, with the release button on the faceted buttplate tang. Engraved brass toeplate with cross hatched designs. Barrel is retained by brass keys. Partially figured maple stock in the classic 1790's York County form with relief panels around the lock and sideplate, a relief scrolls design around the barrel tang, and finely executed relief foliate 'C' scrolls on both sides of the wrist and behind the cheekpiece. The initials "ER" are crudely carved above the cheekpiece and a triangular punch dot checkered panel is carved in relief beneath the cheekpiece. Rifle is complete with a suitable replacement ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains an applied brown surface with signature heavily worn and some freckling overall. About 24" of the barrel and forend have been replaced. Replaced lock appears to be in its original flintlock configuration and retains a brown surface. Brass retains a mellow, dark mustard patina. About 1" of brass toeplate is replaced, along with nosecap and sideplate. Stock shows heavy wear overall with some losses around the lock and scattered marks from use. Some carving is worn smooth. There is much old original finish in protected areas. There is evidence of wire being wrapped behind the barrel tang to retain some components at one time. This is a very well carved Golden Age York County rifle by an extremely rare maker.
Caliber/Bore
.52 Smoothbore
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle