May 18, 2021 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2021
According to his blog, "Judson J. Brennan was born in Lansing Michigan where he developed an interest in early American longrifles, especially the beautiful and artistic flintlock rifles that were hand made by artisans during the Golden Age of American frontier craftsmanship. Thanks to the friendship and encouragement of mentors like Roy Keeler, as a young man Jud was able to actually handle and inspect the construction, and the proportion and balance of original Pennsylvania Kentucky rifles. He then set out to teach himself the techniques required to build, carve and engrave contemporary examples of these rifles. His work has been featured in many books and articles on the craft and artistry of these tools of the American pioneers. In 1985 Judson fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to Alaska where he settled with his family on Tenderfoot hill, 29 miles North of Delta Junction Alaska. It is here that he built his house, his workshop, and his forge and it is here that he and his sons Jesse, David and Seth produce handmade historical arms and accouterments in the traditional manner." This pre-Revolutionary War style rifle features a tapered octagon barrel with deep seven-groove rifling. Engraved at the breech and on top flat with engraved panel inscribed "I. BRENNAN TENDERFOOT ALASKA 1988". Rifle has a front brass blade sight and a notched and engraved iron rear sight. The flat handmade lockplate has beveled edges and is engraved with a border and foliate scrolls at the tail. The finely engraved brass furniture includes a four-piece patchbox engraved with scrolls and "I. BRENNAN MAKER" on the lid. The trigger guard is engraved with a floral on the bow, sideplate engraved with borders and scrolls, buttplate tang and entry ferrule engraved en suite. The large silver oval-shaped wrist escutcheon is engraved with detailed borders. There is an engraved silver edelweiss inlaid above the cheek piece, as well. The walnut stock retains a dark finish and is of early form. There is small amount of relief scroll work with floral and foliate motifs around the molded cheek piece and relief panels around the lock and sideplate. A relief fan design surrounds the barrel tang. CONDITION: Masterfully aged and patinated, showing some imperfections from use or by design. Action is strong and functions well, bore shows deep rifling. A beautiful early style rifle by one of the best Kentucky rifle makers that ever worked. Custom made rifles ordered from Brennan can cost over $100,000, commensurate with the quality and workmanship that they show. DMG
Item Dimensions: L: 54 - 1/4".
Manufacturer
Judson Brennan