January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
This rifle is featured on page 27 of "Accouterments V" by James R. Johnston. It is also shown as number 238 on page 131 of "Kentucky Rifle Patchboxes and Barrel Marks" by Roy F. Chandler. George Eister was born in 1762 in Manchester Township, York County, Pennsylvania. He is listed on a York County document as a gunsmith in 1793. Eister's unique work is easily recognized to the trained eye. This rifle features an octagon to round smoothbore barrel. The flat lockplate has a molding towards the tail and beveled edges. The brass furniture includes a signature Eister patchbox design composed of four pieces of brass, with a total of six piercings.The patchbox is retained by 12 screws incorporated into its design and is identical to a signed rifle in the Kindig collection, pictured on page 300 of his book. He used a rectangular brass patchbox release located on the engraved toeplate. The rifle has a classic Eister engraved sideplate and a York County faceted trigger guard. The iron trigger is pierced and curls towards the back. The full length figured maple stock is of classic York County form with relief panels around the lock and sideplate terminating in a teardrop. Classic George Eister relief scrolls incorporating floral designs around the barrel tang. There are also relief and incised designs on both sides of the wrist and George Eister's classic relief carved 'C' scroll designs behind the cheekpiece. Complete with a replaced ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a brown patina showing some edge wear and corrosion at the breech, which has been reconverted. The lock appears to be in its original flintlock configuration but is replaced. Brass is polished and retains a mellowing patina. Patchbox and two silver inlays possibly added after the rifle was made. Stock shows some wear to carving, a few small replaced slivers include a piece beneath the lockplate, a small piece between the barrel tang and lockplate, a small piece towards the nose cap on the left side, and one long sliver along the barrel on the left side. Otherwise showing a few scattered marks from use. There is some minor denting to the patchbox lid, and the buttplate has a braised repair beneath the patchbox lid. George Eister relief carved rifles are extremely rare and this attractive example displays very well.
Caliber/Bore
.62 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
George Eister - Attributed
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle