November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
Probably circa 1810-1815, made by well known gunsmith Silas Allen, possibly as a militia or contract rifle. Allen worked and lived from 1750 until 1834 and his son, Silas Jr., lived from 1775-1850, both worked in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Rifled octagonal steel barrel stamped "S. ALLEN" in block letters on top flat, in front of rear sight. Notched rear sight and small front blade sight of brass, barrel retained by steel keys. Flat lockplate with partially visible "Ketland & Co." Plain brass furniture including a two-piece patchbox of classic New England form and typical two-piece sideplate. Wrist features a convex vacant silver oval-shaped wrist escutcheon surrounded by a fine silver wire inlaid border. Brass nosecap and wooden ramrod with horn tip. Full length partially figured stock with relief, oval shaped cheekpiece, probably of cherry. For a nearly identical example, see pages 116-117, No. 7, of Merrill Lindsay's "The New England Gun", which shows another rifle with the same form, patchbox, and signature, from the Bicknell Collection. Formerly in the collection of Charles Thayer. Very good condition, probably shortened during period of use. Barrel retains a brown patina with some edge wear and freckling, scattered marks from use, signature excellent. Lock a very good professional reconversion, brown patina with light freckling and some wear to markings. Brass retains a mellowing patina with a few light scattered marks. Nose cap probably replaced. Stock very good, showing some wear and scattered marks from use and minor age cracks, splinter replaced on left side of forend, towards muzzle. A very nice example of a signed and seldom found New England rifle!