January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
This well-made Bucks County, Pennsylvania rifle is signed by a previously unknown maker, Jacob Hersh. The rifle dates circa 1820 and has a smoothbore octagonal barrel with a brass front sight and a notched rear sight centered on the block and surrounded by double engraved lines in front of and behind it. The flat lockplate has a rounded tail, roller frizzen, sprigs of engraved decoration and is stamped "LONDON" in the center. The brass furniture includes a classic one-piece Bucks County patchbox that opens horizontally and is inscribed "Jacob Hersh Gon Smith" along with a propellered flower and scolls, often associated with the maker John Shuler. In front of the patchbox, there is a small inlaid brass heart. There is a plain shaped brass toeplate and a long narrow decorative un-engraved band inlaid between the toeplate and back of the triggerguard. The left side of the butt has an engraved silver eight-point star inlaid above the cheekpiece and a brass pick holder inlaid beneath the cheekpiece. The oval-shaped silver wrist escutcheon is inscribed "JH", presumably for Jacob Hersh. The rifle features a typical curled Bucks County trigger and brass un-engraved triggerguard. The Bucks County sideplate has beveled edges. The ramrod entry ferrule features a long brass wearplate extending all the way to the triggerguard finial and engraved with two stylized Liberty caps. The stock is of classic Bucks County form and is made of partially figured maple. Ramrod is probably a replacement. CONDITION: Barrel retains a brown patina with light freckling overall, heavier at breech. Lock is a good professional reconversion and retains a matching patina, showing some wear and minor freckling. Brass retains a mellowing patina. Stock retains generous traces of original finish and has some scattered marks, one thin sliver replaced along left side of barrel as well as a piece between lock and barrel tang. A very attractive signed Bucks County rifle.
Caliber/Bore
.52 Smoothbore
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle