February 24-26th 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/25/2017
Smoothbore octagonal barrel is unmarked. Flat flintlock lockplate stamped "W. KETLAND" in center. Four piece brass patchbox with engraved single line border and raised convex lid, release button on top tang of buttplate. Brass trigger guard with tombstone finial. Sideplate with beveled edges and terminating at rear in an elongated tombstone shape, as does the toeplate and ramrod entry ferrule. Vacant silver oval wrist escutcheon. Full length stock of figured maple and Berks County, Pennsylvania form has a deep groove carved on each side of the forend. Incised borders around lock and sideplate, fleur-de-lis around comb and around barrel tang. Left side of buttstock is incised carved with "C" scrolls comprised of deep flutes and thinner extensions, scrolls also forward of cheekpiece and border carved above. Very good condition. Barrel retains a mostly dark grey patina with scattered marks. Lock probably professionally reconverted to flintlock configuration, although very well aged and colored, grey patina with some pitting in center of lockplate. Brass retains a mellowing patina. Stock excellent; as refinished, with entire forend replaced beginning under lock and some scattered marks from use. Henry Mauger worked in Berks County, PA. He was born in 1750 and died in 1826. Mauger is listed in Douglass Township in tax assessments of 1781-1790 and as a gunsmith from 1802-1805. The patchbox finial seen here is similar to that used by John Derr, who may have been his apprentice.