August 2009 (3)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/14/2009
Circa 1810 to 1820. OL: 64”. BL: 48”. TB: Octagon to round. LM: Flintlock. Obvious re-conversion. PB: 4-piece. SR: lengthened 12 inches, patched two inches, and wrist repair. Relief and incise carvings. One brass inlay. This rifle, signed “P. Berry” is an excellent example of his premier workmanship which he apparently continued until 1836, the year of his death. The relief carving behind the cheek piece is quite exceptional in its rococo design and shows the very fine delicacy of his hand. All of the other carvings, especially behind the tang, are extremely well-done and also quite pleasing aesthetically. His forestock moldings are a distinctive feature as well as his brass metal mountings in particulars, his patchbox design, with its graceful, flowing outline, is very distinctive and quickly recognizable as are his scalloped sideplate and even the trigger guard, the classic hallmarks of his work. The curly maple stock is of the very best quality as well. There is a mend at the broken wrist as well as the rear “beaver-tails”, on both sides, being restored. The flintlock, a re-conversion, appears to be the original lock, although it has been cleaned. The upper 12 inches of the forestock and barrel have been added, increasing the length of the rifle to its original dimensions. Accordingly the barrel has been re-browned. This rifle is an exceptionally good example of Peter Berry’s work, and the repairs could be improved (surface wise) to make this an even better example of this very desirable maker’s work.