March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
Jacob Sees was on the Elizabeth Township, Pennsylvania tax lists between 1797 and 1812 in Lancaster County, but was only listed as a "gonsmith" in 1800, which is the approximate date this rifle was made. The inventory at his time of death in 1812 showed many rifle parts and gunsmithing tools. This rifle features an octagonal barrel signed "J Sees" in script on the top flat. Early Germanic style lock has a flat unmarked lockplate with beveled edges. Brass furniture includes a Lancaster County sideplate with beveled edges and a four-piece patchbox with engraved scrolls. Silver oval wrist escutcheon inscribed "JS". Full-length maple stock of early Lancaster form and faux striped decoration. Wooden ramrod. Very good condition, overall, barrel retains a dark brown patina and shows some wear to signature and percussion corrosion at breech. Lock has been reconverted to flintlock configuration and retains a brown patina, cock is somewhat lighter. Brass has a mellowing patina and some light marks. Stock is very good, showing some wear to striping and minor age cracks and scattered marks, minor loss from corrosion above front lock tang. This is a very nice pre-War of 1812 Lancaster County rifle that has survived in remarkable original condition.
Caliber/Bore
.50 Smoothbore