January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
This rifle, attributed to Jacob Graeff, is shown on page 111 of "Arms Makers of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania" by Wood, Jr. and Whisker. Jacob Graeff was naturalized in Lancaster County in 1743 when they bought land in Strasburg Township, Lancaster County. In October of 1751, Graeff sold his land in Warwick Township, Lancaster County and in 1776 he was listed as a member of the Home Guard serving under Captain Christopher Crawford. He is also listed as working for the Lancaster County Committee of Safety as a gunsmith. This rifle has an rifled, octagon barrel with sights mounted on the top and inscribed "J. Graeff" on the top flat. The plain, flat lockplate has a fluted section near the tail. The rifle has a classic four piece brass Lancaster County patchbox with a flower finial and is engraved with simple 'C' scroll border; lid is convex. Rifle has a simple, unengraved toeplate and a faceted Lancaster County trigger guard and sideplate with beveled edges. The nosecap has deeply engraved flutes. There is an original worm inside the patchbox. Stock is of mostly plain maple and is of classic Lancaster County Graeff form with the buttstock having a sharp angle. There are well-executed relief carved Lancaster 'C' scrolls behind the relief cheekpiece and simple incised designs on each side of the ramrod entry ferrule. CONDITION: Barrel shows some wear and scattered marks as well as traces of original charcoal blued finish with the remainder turned to brown and flaked. Lock retains a brown finish and shows some corrosion, professionally reconverted to flintlock configuration and functions properly. Brass furniture retains a mellowing mustard patina showing some wear and scattered marks. Ramrod ferrules show heavier wear and some denting. Stock shows much original dark finish with some wear from carrying, scattered marks, and minor age cracks; one splinter replaced along the left side of the forend, and a small sliver on the right near the nosecap. A very nice Lancaster rifle by an important and scarce maker.
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle