November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
Octagonal rifled steel barrel inscribed "J. FLEEGER" on top flat. Brass and silver front blade sight and notched rear sight. Flat percussion lockplate stamped in center "WOLFF & LANE/PITTSBURGH". Double set triggers. Brass furniture includes four piece "keyhole" finial patchbox with five piercings and finely engraved with scrolls, shading, and borders. Flat sideplate engraved with rocker-panel borders. Full length figured maple stock with a period repair on the top of the wrist consisting of a neatly cut and nailed piece of brass on top of leather. For an example of Fleeger's work with a nearly identical patchbox, see page 51 of "The Longrifles of Western Pennsylvania," by Richard Rosenberger and Charles Kaufman. John Fleeger was a master engraver who learned his trade from Thomas Allison. He worked in several locations in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. John Fleeger never advertised during his 50 years in business, as his work was so well known that it was never necessary. Barrel retains an even brown patina with traces of original brown finish and a sharp signature, some light corrosion at breech. Lock has a matching patina, but is missing the hammer. Brass is unpolished and shows little wear. Stock has original finish with some scattered marks form use. Ramrod is absent. This is a fine example of a high quality, signed Western Pennsylvania longrifle.