February 2010 (1)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2010
1835 to 1845. Unsigned but attributed to Charles Baum. OL: 53 - 1/2". BL: 38 - 1/2". TBL Octagonal. LM: Flintlock. PB: 4-piece. S: Curly maple. 65 silver inlays. This extraordinary Upper Susquehanna Kentucky rifle has 65 (sixty five) silver inlays, some in the shape of ovals and teardrops; others are in the shape of arrows and also tulips with a silver heart flanked by a pair of silver quarter-moons. (There are several other quarter moons also). However, the most unique one is the full standing Indian with a raised tomahawk in hand; this motif is flanked by a pair of tulips. This panorama is right behind the rear of the cheekpiece, which has a large silver-spreading eagle dominating the cheekpiece. The elaborately pierced brass patchbox has a “flying eagle” as its finial, and the eagle’s legs terminate in arrowheads. While all of the patchbox elements are simply engraved, the lid or door of the patchbox is elaborately engraved with “stylized” scallop-shell” patterns. The pierced combplate fills the upper edge of the comb, and of course, there is a typical scalloped wearplate. The two-piece rear ramrod ferrule with an iron pen, also indicative of the so-called Snyder-Union County School, is here as well. Undoubtedly, much of this work reflects the hand of one of the Baum family, in particular Charles Baum. Other than a few slivers of added wood, the stock is completely intact. The original flintlock, however, is a replacement for the probably original percussion lock. This rifle could use a careful hand to bring it back to its finest state of condition.