November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
David Cooley's work lies somewhere between the Chambersburg and Emmitsburg schools, according to Joe Kindig, Jr. He is said to have been born February 7, 1790 and died July 14, 185. He is buried in the Upper Bermudian Churchyard in Huntington Township, Pennsylvania. His rifles are known to have many common characteristics of John Armstrong rifles. This fine example of his high quality work features an octagonal steel barrel signed "D*Cooley" on top flat, in script, surrounded by an engraved border. Barrel fastened with for elongated brass keys along forend. Decorated muzzle face. Flat stamp engraved lockplate marked "LONDON/WARRANTED" in center. Brass furniture includes a four-piece engraved patchbox with classic pierced horse head finial, the lid is engraved with scrolls surrounding a cross-hatched oval, horse head has deeply engraved mane. Sideplate is engraved with finely-executed winged design. Engraved silver Moravian eight point star above cheekpiece and vacant oval wrist escutcheon with simple border. Tombstone shaped toeplate finely engraved and features circular patchbox release button. Full-length figured maple stock of typical Cooley form with incise carved scrolls above entry ferrule and nice double-line border along each side of ramrod channel. Hickory ramrod has traces of burned rope design and appears to be original. A similar rifle with nearly the identical patchbox is shown on page 553, number 237, of "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age" by Joe Kindig, Jr. It is also signed in the same way "D. Cooley." Excellent condition with dark patina on barrel and lock, markings clear, some light freckling around breech. Appears to be in original flintlock configuration. Brass is unpolished and shows little wear, engraving is sharp. Stock excellent with a few light storage marks. Overall, a very well made and original rifle by a scarce and desirable maker, in nice, uncleaned condition.
Caliber/Bore
.38 Smoothbore