November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
This patriotic rifle is attributed to John Mewhirter. Mewhirter worked in Chambersburg in Franklin County, Pennsylvania between 1836 and 1840. Due to the engraving designs on the patchbox, along with the screw method of fastening the patchbox, it is believed that John Mewhirter is the maker. The rifle features a octagonal smoothbore steel barrel with a punch-dot decorated muzzle face. Flat lockplate with beveled edges, traces of indistinct maker's mark stamped in center, features double set triggers. Brass furniture includes a finely engraved four-piece patchbox with five piercings and a patriotic bald eagle finial. The eagle is holding five arrows in one talon and olive branch in the other, detailed feathers, talons, beak and eye are engraved. Lid engraved with two floral scrolls forming a punch-dot checkered or crosshatched oval, sides of lid engraved with daisies and scrolls. Full length figured maple stock of typical Chambersburg School form with carved sleeve around wrist and comb, left side of butt carved with fine incised C-scrolls on both sides of relief cheekpiece. Double line incised border along both sides of ramrod channel terminates with serpentine engraving. Faceted triggerguard and ramrod ferrules. For an example of another patchbox with a bird finial and similar engraving, see rifle number 273 in Volume II of "Kentucky Rifle Patchboxes" by Chandler & Whisker. Very good condition, overall, with barrel retaining a brown patina and showing some light edge wear and scattered freckling. Lock appears to have been professionally reconverted to flintlock, now retains a brown patina with some spotting in center. Brass retains a mellowing patina, engraving on patchbox shows almost no wear. Sideplate has three small screws added for support, toeplate has minor repairs, and buttplate tang slightly bent, all can be expected with a rifle of this period. Stock very good, showing some light wear and with two minor chips replaced around lockplate, due to percussion corrosion. A few minor age cracks and marks from use, overall a very nice piece of wood with minimal repairs. This is a very attractive and original example with a rare eagle patchbox finial, displays very well!
Caliber/Bore
.45 Smoothbore