October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
This pistol is featured on page 75 of "Accouterments V" by James R. Johnston. Northampton County, Pennsylvania Circa 1780-1790. Two stage rifled steel barrel, sections divided by wedding band, top flat engraved with a folk art tulip. Rounded lockplate with crudely engraved scrolls and unbridled pan, probably a second lock. Brass furniture including pommel cap with engraved designs, similar to those used by John Moll. Brass backstrap on grip extending to barrel tang with integral wrist escutcheon inscribed "J K" and decorated with wavy borders. Crude triggerguard of sheet brass retained by three screws and an early staple to reinforce the finial. Replaced sideplate in the early Northampton County style with an arrow at the back. Brass nosecap with repeating engraved lines. Stock of figured maple with an exaggerated cane grip. Incised border around lock and sideplate as well as some incised scrollwork around the barrel tang on each side. An "Indian head" or "Liberty head" is incise-carved behind the ramrod entry ferrule below two c-scrolls. Replaced wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a dark patina with traces of rifling visible and signs of rebushing or reconversion at touch-hole. Lock retains a matching patina and is a well done professional reconversion. Two period-added iron pins are along the top of the tail to keep the lock in place. Brass retains a dark mustard patina, sideplate a replacement. Stock shows wear and scattered splinters of professionally replaced wood. An age crack runs between triggerguard and entry ferrule. Stock still retaining much original patina and color. A very nice and early Pennsylvania pistol. PROVENANCE: Ron Gabel.
Manufacturer
Northampton County