December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2023
According to page 196 of "The Pennsylvania Kentucky Rifle" by Henry J. Kauffman, James Bryan is on the tax list as a gunsmith in Lamleter Township, Lancaster County in 1801. It states that he is an obscure maker who owned a boring mill in the 18th century that still stands today. In the purchase and sale deeds to the property, Bryan is listed as a "gunbarrelsmith". The octagonal barrel has a silver inlaid plaque inscribed "J. Bryant" on the top flat. Both sights are much later replacements, most likely to use the rifle in shooting competitions in early to mid 20th century. The barrel has been relined, perhaps by Bremmer circa 1925-30. The lock is unmarked. The brass furniture includes a well-engraved pierced 4-piece patchbox with an eagle finial. There are serpentine strips of brass inlaid along the bottom of the buttstock on both sides. Stock of partially figured tiger. maple and decorated with folky incised motifs. There are C-scrolls on the left side of the buttstock and a relief molding along both sides of forend. CONDITION: Barrel has a contemporary coat of blue finish. Age of stock and some brass components is unknown. Patchbox retains a pleasing patina. Lock is a reconversion. Toeplate a replacement. A very decorative and attractive Kentucky rifle bearing the name of a scarce maker.