GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
SUPERBLY RELIEF CARVED GOLDEN AGE FLINT LOCK RIFLE BY ADAMS COUNTY, PA GUNSMITH, ADAM ERNST. ERNST KY NSN 52 Cal. 52. 41" full octagon barrel signed at top flat in "A Ernst". Overall length 57". Barrel is fastened to curly maple stock with 4 barrel wedges, 4-piece engraved brass patchbox, which has 3 piercings. Head is shaped somewhat like an arrow. Double-set triggers and brass-mounted. Engraving is somewhat sparse, but quite good. Beveled-brass sideplate is nicely engraved en suite with patchbox. Hand-forged flintlock is unmarked. Left side of stock is relief carved to rear, under and forward of cheekpiece. Carving is composed of C-scrolls and is the work of an artist superb in rococo design. It would be difficult to find better carving exemplified in the work of any other gunsmith. Half-moon, silver-engraved inlay with face on cheekpiece and oval silver inlay on top of wrist. Nicely relief carved around barrel tang with incised carving behind rear ramrod pipe. Adam Ernst is listed as a gunsmith in Berwick Township, Adams County, PA in the years 1805-1811. CONDITION: Fine overall with minor restoration including reconversion to flint from percussion. 51828-1 JS (20,000-25,000)