October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
This fine and important lot of Daniel Border signed and made items comes directly from a descendant of the well known Bedford County, Pennsylvania gunsmith. The lot is comprised of (A) A fine double signed, original percussion rifle by Daniel Border. The full length octagonal barrel has an engraved brass dovetailed sight block with a silver blade front sight and iron rear sight. The rifle is inscribed on the top flat "D Border. Bedford. Pa". The original percussion lockplate is decorated with rocker panel designs and the center is inscribed with a large "DB". It has a classic Bedford County hammer and is fitted with double set triggers. The plain brass furniture includes a four piece patchbox with classic Bedford County finial. Classic three screw flat brass Bedford County sideplate. Full length figured maple stock of classic Bedford County form. Complete with its original ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a grey patina with some corrosion at breech and around bolster. Signature excellent and edges are crisp. Lock retains an even grey patina and functions correctly. The brass furniture retains a mellow mustard patina and shows very little wear. The stock is excellent and retains an old finish with only a few scattered marks and a crack at the toe. The rifle is in very good condition overall. (B) Brass lock inscribed "Daniel Border. / BEDFORD PA. U.S.A." above the key hole. The lock measures 2 - 1/16" x 3". The back shows an intricate and well made locking mechanism of brass. CONDITION: The lock is in excellent condition and may have never been used. It retains a mellowing patina. (C) Masterfully engraved silver plaque with gilt overlays inscribed "George Washington. / Born February 22, 1732; / Died December 14, 1799. / Aged 67 Years, 8 Months, And 20 Days. / Engraved By, D. Border". The plaque measures 8 - 1/4" x 4 - 1/8" and is of solid sterling silver. The corners are engraved with floral designs on a stippled gilt ground. CONDITION: Excellent, showing nearly no wear. Mounted in a lidded wooden display box with a glass lid, lined with brown velour. These three objects show the diversity that Daniel Border was capable of, as well as his masterful engraving capabilities and mechanical genius. (D) Book of Daniel Border. 8" x 6 - 1/2" x 3/8". Cardboard front and back covers with a leather spine. The day book starts January 1st of 1872 and goes until August of 1873. The book records each transaction that Daniel Border did, the amount he was paid, and the person he did the work for. It shows work including engraving, watch making, watch cleaning, watch repairs, and other jeweler transactions. CONDITION: Very good with some wear to the cover. This is an important grouping of items from a very famous Bedford County jeweler and gunsmith. DG
Accessories
Plaque, Lock, Daybook
Manufacturer
Daniel Border