March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
This rifle is attributed to Mewhirter, a Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania maker. The rifle features a full octagonal barrel. Flat flint lockplate marked "A.W. SPIES/WARRANTED" in center and decorated at tail. Elaborately engraved brass furniture including a pierced four-piece patchbox profusely decorated with flowers and scrolls. Flat pierced serpentine sideplate engraved en suite. Fancy pierced trigger. Vacant oval wrist escutcheon of silver, engraved with borders. Also features a silver oval inlay above cheekpiece, engraved with a Federal American eagle. Four engraved silver half-moon inlays on each side of forend around barrel keys. Full-length figured maple stock of Franklin County form with a checkered wrist, gadrooned nose cap, and elaborately carved with scrolls on left side of butt. Tapered relief-carved scalloped panels forward lock and sideplate. Replaced wooden ramrod. Barrel and lock retain a dark heavy brown patina, lock has been professionally reconverted. Brass and silver retain an unpolished patina. Stock has some areas of professional restoration at lock, wrist, and 31-1/2" restored of forend. Carving shows some wear. This is a fantastic elaborately decorated rifle with attractive profile!
Caliber/Bore
.52 Smoothbore