December 18th 2010 Firearms (9)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/17/2010
Overall length: 51 - 1/2 inches. Barrel length: 36 inches. This Kentucky rifle may be by "Peter Bellis" of the upper Dauphin County region, near the community of Lykens. It shows a simple incised carving behind the cheek piece similar to that of Leonard Reedy, who was then working further north in the small town of Gratz. Both that carving and the incised tan carving are very well executed, as is the forestock molding on the curly maple stock. The brass pathcbox shows influence from the Reading/Womelsdorf school as do the ramrod ferrules. At an early time the rifle had its octagonal rifled barrel shortened by approximately ten inches or so. However, the rifle is overall in fine condition showing evidence of its care by its owners. The stock is intact without any breaks or wood replacements and exhibits a warm brownish-orange color. At the time of shortening the barrel, the gun was probably converted to percussion (as was often the case with barrels and locks). However, the lock has been put back to flintlock by a modern mechanic. Overall, this rifle is in fine condition.CORRECTION: After further research on the barrel length, we have determined that the lenght is original to the rifle and that it has NOT been shortened. This determination was made after catalog production with further inspection by our Kentucky Rifle Expert.