April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2021
Only known example of a Kentucky style rifle made by Samuel Armstrong who is one of master gunmaker "John Armstrong" sons. Pictured in "Maryland Longrifles" by Daniel D. Hartzler and James B. Whisker on page 251 and 252 and also pictured in "Gunsmiths of Maryland Firelock Colonial Period through the Breech-Loading Patent Models Featuring Longrifles" by Daniel D. Hartzler and James B. Whisker. Full octagon smoothbore barrel with German silver blade front sight and notched rear sight signed beautifully in script "SAMUEL ARMSTRONG". Unmarked percussion lock with double set trigger control. Full curly maple stock with vine and wing raised carving behind cheek. Gun is also carved with triangular pattern under cheek and floral pattern in front of patchbox and cheek. Raised "gridoon" pattern carving in front of lock with "bushy tail" pattern behind lock and sideplate. Raised carving around tang. Forestock exhibits an excellent moulding line carving ending in a "Fleur de lis" pattern behind the tailpipe. Gun has 9 silver inlays including a typical Armstrong style Federal Eagle, a thumbpiece and barrel escutcheons with a silver band at the end of the moulding line. Gun has brass hardware including a floral finial 4 piece patchbox with crossed floral stem engraved patchbox lid. Armstrong style raised dimple tailpipe and faceted ramrod pipes. Comes with hardwood ramrod. CONDITION: Metal exhibits aged patina with surface corrosion and pitting around firing areas. Brass has aged dark patina with age discoloration. Wood has heavy coat of shellac with repaired wrist crack and roughly 9" of the forestock replaced. Wood has various usage cracks dings. Mechanics are sticky with screw missing out of trigger plate. Dark pitted bore. Rare rifle. DLM
Item Dimensions: L: 58 - 1/2".
Caliber/Bore
.55 Percussion
Manufacturer
Samuel Armstrong