GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
EXCEPTIONAL PERCUSSION MILITARY STYLE SPORTING RIFLE/ MUSKET BY GEORGE GIBBS, MOST LIKELY HIS MASTERPIECE UPON COMPLETING HIS APPRENTICESHIP. GEORGE GIBBS PERC MILITARY STYLE SPORTING RIFLE NSN .50 Cal. .50 (.575 x .583 Smooth oval bore (?)) This unusual, high quality, exceptionally well made, firearm is devoid of any proof marks, numbers, lettering, or inscriptions, except for the name "GEORGE GIBBS" on lockplate. The only conclusion one could make is that it was for show only, for without proofing it was never legally salable or shootable. It remains in exceptional, most likely unfired, condition. Finely browned 33" ovate skelp twist bbl has integral rounded portion at rear holding unusual flip-over ladder type rear sight (origin of design unknown). Barleycorn front sight is dovetailed through integral square boss at muzzle. Patent breech features plain platinum blow-out and is engraved with well cut open shaded scroll, and unusual device of shield, halberds, and open music book, on top. Breech iron with integral scrolled fence, is also finely scroll engraved. Bar lock with flat faced serpentine chamfered hammer is nearly fully engraved with more of this exquisitely cut shaded scroll. "GEORGE GIBBS" is in scroll terminated riband toward front. Trigger plate has plain rounded finial. Steel trigger guard with more large scroll on bow, is unmarked at tang. Steel buttplate has long scroll engraved top tang. Nicely marbled, and beautifully full length fiddle figured European walnut straight grip stock has nicely cut deep coarse checkering with mullered borders at grip and forend. Stock extends to within 5" of muzzle, has horn cap and fastens to bbl with two side nails through engraved oval steel escutcheons. Military style steel ramrod is held by two steel pipes with turned ends and matching thimble with small pointed finial. Military style sling loops are mounted through stock in bbl channel and on toe line, which is also fitted with a vacant silver oval. Drop at heel: approx 2-3/16", drop at comb: approx 1-3/4". Weight: 9 lbs 0 oz. LOP: 14-3/8". CONDITION: Excellent, possibly unfired, showing only numerous storage and handling marks, as well as slight ravages of age on its metal and wood finishes. Bbl retains nearly all of its brown, silvered on sharp edges. Case hardening of lock and other furniture has slightly darkened. Bright blue of trigger guard and buttplate has flaked somewhat, and has some freckling. Stock finish is very fine, with aforementioned nicks and dings, but is dry and untouched. Bore is excellent, bright and shiny throughout. Lock is crisp. 49266-3 MGM81 (7,500-12,500)