GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
EXCEPTIONAL MODEL 1817 U.S. MILITARY RIFLE. R. JOHNSON FLINTLOCK NSN 54 Cal. 54. This is an extremely fine example of a scarce model 1817 contract rifle made by Robert Johnson retaining virtually all of its original bright finish, probably unfired with an near new crisp shiny bore. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to upgrade this example. Gun conforms to the usual configuration with 36″ rnd bbl fastened by three steel bands. Iron mountings finished brown including bbl, bands, buttplate, patchbox and trigger guard. Lock, frizzen & hammer are case hardened retaining much of their bright colors. Lock is maker marked and dated "1824" and "R. Johnson Middleton, CT." Bbl has matching date of "1824", inspector marks, "US", "JH" (Joseph Harniss) & "P" proof in serrated raised cartouche. Stock has inspector''s cartouche opposite the lock, script "JW" (Joseph Weatherhead). Small sub-inspector initials are found on most other parts of gun including stock, trigger guard, bbl & buttplate. CONDITION: Overall very fine to extremely fine, all orig, authentic & matching. Bbl retains 98-99% of its orig reddish brown finish with only minor scratches & other blemishes. Bands, trigger guard, escutcheon plate, patchbox & buttplate retain over 90% of their orig brown finish with areas of staining, scuffing & light pinprick pitting on patchbox & rear of bbl tang. Lock, hammer & frizzen 80-90% bright & muted case colors. Frizzen shows absolute no use or any scratching on friction pad showing gun was probably never fired. Stock is sound & solid with crisp cartouche & fairly sharp edges, scattered small storage, dings, dents & scratches. A thin worn coating of varnish or shellac covered this entire gun which probably explains the retention of so much orig bright finish. Mechanically gun functions well with crisp action & shiny crisp bore. 50174-1 JS (8,000-12,000)