April 9th & 10th Premier Firearms Sale (MFIRE)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/9/2016
Caliber .46 bore, Barrel length 43”. Jacob Metzger was a gun smith from Lancaster, Pennsylvania from 1758-1777 and in Frederick Town, Maryland 1788-1825. A near identical patch box by J. Metzger can be found on page 272 and 273 in the book “Kentucky Rifle Patch Boxes” by Roy Chandler. It is actually a blending of the patch boxes in example 522 and 523. It features a full octagon barrel that is stamped “J Metzger” on top flat near breech, simple rear sight with a German nickel dove tail front, brass for-end tip, cleaning rod is retained by three brass thimbles, full length maple stock with lovely incisions on both sides. Brass trigger guard, single trigger, lock is stamped “London Warranted”. In addition to the patch box there is a German silver heart on the right side. Border punched German silver thumb plate with incisions around the border of wrist. Silver heart on left side. Small classic straight cheek piece on left side of stock. Left side also has a sterling silver engraved decorative oval. The brass side plate has light engraving. Barrel is retained by wedges, set closest to the breech have silver escutcheons. Lock and barrel are deep rich patina with a very little abrasion near the nipple. Stock is in superb condition. Minor 1/4” hairline at lock rear and a hairline at the brass side plate, other than that stock is nearly flawless with the hand rubbed oil finish. Beautiful patina. Working order. This is simply a marvelous example of a true Lancaster Pennsylvania classic flintlock long rifle.