November 5th & 6th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/5/2016
Rifled octagonal barrel signed in script "*N*Beyer*" on top flat; unmarked hand-forged lock. Four piece brass patchbox typical of Nicholas Beyer with finial being a bird with beak in feathers and 'C' scrolls on each side of the lid; convex lid. Unique toeplate with a Pennsylvania German tulip and a pierced heart with engraved borders and shading. Beveled sideplate, plain brass trigger guard, and faceted ramrod furls. Highly figured full length maple stock of typical Dauphin County, Pennsylvania form carved with relief designs around lock, sideplate, barrel tang, ramrod entry furl, in front of trigger guard, and on both sides of wrist. Carved behind cheek piece with exceptionally high and fine relief carving in the form of stylized tulips and 'C' scrolls. Vacant silver oval inlay on top of wrist, eight point Moravian star above cheek piece, and small heart on top of comb; all engraved with borders. Replaced wooden ramrod with brass tip. Nicholas Beyer was listed as a gunsmith in 1807 and 1810 in Annville Township, Dauphin County; this became part of Lebanon county when it was formed in 1813. Beyer utilized details of the Lebanon school frequently, for an example of a very similar gun see page 235 of "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age" by Joe Kindig, Jr. and see the same toeplate on page 232. Very good condition; barrel retains a spotted brown patina, lock retains a brown finish and has been professionally reconverted to flint, and brass retains a mellowing patina. Stock is excellent with a few light marks from use and toe broken in two places and repaired. Carving is excellent, showing little wear. Overall, a very fine example of a Golden Age rifle by Nicholas Beyer.