January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
According to Joe Kindig, this is the only known child's rifle by Roop. This diminutive rifle measures only 49" overall with a 13" pull. The slender two stage barrel is stamped "J ROOP" on the top flat near the breech. There is a small dovetailed silver front blade sight and an iron notched rear sight. The flat pistol lockplate is signed "SWEITZER" in the center. The diminutive brass furniture includes a small brass wearplate on the forearm, faceted trigger guard, and engraved four piece patchbox with a bird plucking its wing as the finial. The two piece sideplate is silver and there is a silver star stamped "JR" inlaid behind the sideplates. There is also a small silver oval shaped wrist escutcheon and a silver inlaid oval above the cheekpiece engraved with a patriotic eagle. There are two half moons, one on each side of the forearm just behind the ramrod entry ferrule. The full length, highly figured maple stock features checkered panels around the wrist and incised 'C' scrolls on the left side of the butt. CONDITION: Barrel retains a mostly brown patina with some areas of corrosion, vice marks, and areas which have been cleaned. Barrel has been reconverted and lock is replaced and reconverted using improper components. Stock has 26" of the forend replaced and scattered patches of replaced wood around the lock and barrel tang, as well as a repaired crack through the lock cavity and sideplate. Some of the silver inlays have been replaced. A piece of wood has been replaced at the toe. Brass furniture is polished and shows some denting and wear. Patchbox shows some replaced screws. Stock shows heavy wear to checkering, wear overall to carving, has an added coat of finish, and has some wear overall. Despite the restoration to this rifle, child's rifles of these dimensions are extremely rare. A very nice Dauphin County, Pennsylvania rifle. PROVENANCE: Joe Kindig Antiques.
Caliber/Bore
.41 Smoothbore
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle