January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
This rifle is featured as rifle number 6 and both sides are pictured in "The Kentucky Rifle" by Merrill Lindsay. Joel Ferree was born in 1731 and was the son of French Huguenot immigrant, Philip Ferree. In 1752, Joel received a tract of land from his father and in the deed he is referred to as "Joel Ferree - gunsmith of Leacock Township". The land was located on the north side of Pequea Creek, just west of Paradise. Ferree was one of the prominent gunsmiths of the American Revolution and was contracted to make gun barrels and guns for the Committee of Safety. Joel Ferree worked in Lancaster County for his entire life and died in 1801 when he was shot, killed, and scalped by local Indians while visiting his nephew in Washington County, Pennsylvania. The rifles dates to between 1770 and 1785 and features a rifled, octagonal barrel. It is signed in script on a silver inlaid plaque on the top of the barrel "J. Ferree". the well-made lockplate has beveled edges and a molded tail. The rifle features an early four piece brass patchbox which is finely engraved with shell designs, borders, and flowers. The convex lid is inscribed with the initials "JM". The toeplate is engraved with scrolls on each side of the screw and broken line borders. There is a brass inlay between the toeplate and the trigger guard with a hole for a touch hole pick. The buttplate measures 2-1/8" at the widest spot including the patchbox lid and about 1-15/16" excluding the lid. The early trigger guard features a wide bow and faceted faces and is nearly identical to one used on a signed William Antes rifle. The sideplate is of the early Lancaster form and is plain with beveled edges. There is a silver eight point star with detailed shading engraved above the cheekpiece. The full length stock of highly figured maple is in the classic, early Lancaster County form. There are relief carved panels terminating in teardrops around the lock and sideplate. There is also a relief carved foliate design with incised accents around the barrel tang, and a stylized Fleur-de-Lis in relief with incised checkered panels behind the ramrod entry ferrule. There are high relief, scalloped, foliate 'C' scrolls behind the cheekpiece and on both sides of the wrist. Rifle has a replaced wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a brown surface, some applied patina, and some scattered marks from use. Signature is excellent. About 14" of the barrel has been professionally replaced. The lock is a good, professional reconversion but the lockplate appears to be original to the gun. Brass furniture is excellent, retaining a mellow mustard patina showing some minor wear and scattered marks. Stock has a later coat of finish and carving is excellent, showing some light wear. About 14-1/2" of the forend have been professionally replaced. This is an extremely attractive and well-carved, early Lancaster County rifle.
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle