September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
41-3/4" barrel om .52 bore flintlock. Christopher Gumpf is a well-recognized name as one of the more famous of the Lancaster, Pa rifle makers. A total of nine Gumpfs were listed as gunsmiths in Lancaster, Pa, but it is Christopher who was the best known and was the most productive. Amongst the most desirable Pennsylvania rifles, are those that were made in Lancaster prior to the Revolutionary War. Christopher was very involved in the American Revolution. On February 7th, 1794, by order of General Hand, Lancaster, Christopher received an order for “Continental Rifles” made for the state militia. Gumpf was associated with men who worked in Lancaster during the revolution and gave the borough a superior status as a rifle-making territory. Offered is a signed, classic Pennsylvania long rifle manufactured by Christopher. You can see evidence of his work and the block style signature on page 353 in the book “Kentucky Rifle Patch Boxes” by Chandler. The rifle features a full octagon barrel with set rear sight and dovetail blade front. There is an extra rear sight slot cut 4-1/2” behind existing sight. Features double set triggers. It lacks all but the basic ornamentation of a silver oval on left cheek piece and a silver thumb shield. The three barrel retaining wedges have silver elliptical plates. The rod is retained by three brass thimbles. Stock has a brass nose cap, left side plate, trigger guard, buttplate, toe plate, and patch box. The patch box design is typical Lancaster County and can be seen in the aforementioned book. Features delicate light engraving. The lock was manufactured by C. Palmer, New York. Barrel and lock are a smooth chocolate brown patina. The beautifully finished striped stock is in excellent condition with a lovely patina. Simply a beautiful and very desirable maker and rifle. The barrel and wood forend have been stretched by a master craftsman to the point that this work is barely discernible.