GUN SPRING 2018
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
UNIQUE RELIEF CARVED S. BISTEL SIGNED WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA FLINTLOCK RIFLE, CIRCA 1820.J. BISTELKY RIFLENSN45Cal. 45. 58" overall, 42-3/4" heavy oct bbl, signed in script "S BISTEL". This is a unique gun with Western PA/Ohio features. The orig owner attributed the maker to Washington County, Pennsylvania which fits for style. The carving is quite unique with a stylized relief carved bird in buttstock and a large un-engraved 4-pc patchbox. 4-1/4" toeplate with silver hunter's star on cheekpiece. This is the only signed example known signed by this obscure maker. Gun overall has fine aesthetics with good surface and patina to wood with unique folky relief and incised carving. PROVENANCE: Steve Hench; Fred Schry Collection; an extraordinary private estate collection of a distinguished Virginia gentleman. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Gun appears orig and complete with restored lock and sideplate, re-conversion. Stock has inset wood above lock and several old contemporary repairs. Iron is dark plum with staining and pitting. Brass has mix of dark chocolate to light mustard mixed patinas. Mechanically functional. Discernible rifled bore with pitting. 52969-2 JS (5,000-7,000)