January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
Leonard Reedy was born in 1772 and apprenticed under John Bonewitz in Womelsdorf, Berks County, Pennsylvania. Reedy developed and used his own unique characteristics such as his signature carving around the barrel tang and on the left side of the buttstock. The rifle has a full length, smoothbore, octagonal barrel with a brass front sight and a notched rear sight. The original lockplate is stamped "CALDERWOOD". The brass furniture includes a four piece brass patchbox with scroll engraved accents, brass trigger guard, and flat brass slideplate. There is a brass half moon inlay above the cheekpiece as well as brass escutcheons around each side of the four barrel keys. There is a vacant silver, oval shaped wrist escutcheon as well. Complete with its original wooden ramrod. The stock is of figured maple and has relief carved panels terminating in a teardrop around the lock and sideplate. The early 'C' scrolls, carved in relief on the left side of the buttstock, are indicative of Leonard Reedy's early work and show a great deal of influence from Bonewitz. There are also relief scrolls around a checkered panel surrounding the barrel tang and a small relief scroll on the right side of the wrist. The moldings on each side of the forend terminate in incised scrolls on each side of the ramrod entry ferrule. CONDITION: Almost completely untouched and as found with dry, dark surfaces overall. Barrel retains a heavy, brown patina. Lock appears to be a good, professional reconversion and retains a dark, heavy matching that of the barrel. Most brass components retain a dark, heavy green and black patina and have not been cleaned. Silver wrist escutcheon is probably a replacement. Carving on stock is excellent, showing little wear. Barrel tang carving shows some wear and there is a minor piece replaced or repaired above the lockplate. One area of minor losses in front of the pan. Stock shows much dark original finish with some wear from handling. Forend shows some minor hairline cracks and marks from use. A couple small slivers replaced towards the nosecap. A very attractive and early Reedy rifle. CORRECTION: After further discussion with Henry Bishop, Reedy was born in 1776 rather than 1772.
Caliber/Bore
.50 Smoothbored
Manufacturer
Leonard Reedy
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle