November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
John Mewhirter worked in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania with working dates from circa 1815 to 1841. Rifle has a 38 - 1/2" octagonal .52 caliber smoothbore barrel, rifle sights, and signed in script "J.M." on lock plate. Bedford style high spur hammer on gunsmith made percussion lock with double set trigger control (rear trigger broken off). Full curly maple stock with brass hardware including an engraved 4 piece patchbox with floral ring finial, hidden release in toe, and 10 coin silver inlays including a combpiece (possible replacement) and Federal Eagle on oval on cheekpiece. Beautifully raised carved floral and vine pattern behind and around cheek with fleur-de-lis pattern on wrist, floral raised pattern in front of patchbox, and a very nice dished forestock moulding. Missing inlay on carry area behind tailpipe. Comes with hardwood ramrod and consignor research. Pictured on page 112 of "Gunsmiths of Maryland" by Hartzler and Whisker. CONDITION: Overall good with metal flaking and turning a brown patina. Forestock shows cracking and some missing strips of wood. Missing rear trigger. Rifle probably cut back at one point in usage period. Lock has some burnout around lock with wood missing. Dark pitted bore with sticky mechanics. Finely decorated rifle! DLM
Caliber/Bore
.52 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
John Mewhriter