August 2009 (3)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/14/2009
Circa 1810 to 1820. OL: 60 - 3/4". BL: 44". TB: Octagonal. LM: Flintlock. Obvious re-conversion. PB: 4-piece. S: Curly Maple. Relief carving. This Kentucky rifle signed in script "J. Gonter" is an extremely fine example of Peter Gonter's son's work. The curly maple stock has its original finish, strong patina, and also has excellent relief carving. The attractive carving around the barrel tang is well done and in particular the very bold "gadrooning" on both sides of the wrist are very pleasing. Most importantly, the elaborate relief-carving behind the cheekpiece combined two "stylized" fish entwined within one another with much "cross-hatching". The "fish-tail" finial and overall patchbox is very well-engraved and is well-designed, as is the sideplate and toe-plate. Although the flintlock is a re-conversion, it is the original lock. John Gonter also worked in Hagerstown, Maryland proceeding his work in Lancaster. This Kentucky rifle will please any discriminating collector who desires surface condition integrity and artistic uniqueness.