January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
This rifle is featured as gun number 73 on page 200 in "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age" by Joe Kindig, Jr. Kindig attributed this rifle to elusive maker Wolfgang Haga. Wolfgang Haga reportedly worked in the Womelsdorf/Reading school and is thought to be one of the earliest Berks County gunsmiths, first appearing in the 1767 Reading tax records. His death was reported in 1796. The full length rifled octagon barrel is stamped on the underside "D. CHRIST". The replaced lock is marked "Charleville" and features a reinforced cock. The brass furniture includes a plain four piece patchbox in the typical fashion of Wolfgang Haga. The plain Berks County sideplate has beveled edges and a molding at the tail. The toeplate is also plain and the shape mirrors that of the patchbox finial. The faceted trigger guard is wide and of early form. There is a plain silver eight point star inlaid above the cheekpiece, a plain oval shaped wrist escutcheon, and a silver teardrop in front of the toeplate. The full length stock is of classic Berks County form with a Roman nose buttstock. Stock is of highly figured maple and features relief panels around the lock and sideplate, and relief scrolls around the barrel tang and ramrod entry ferrule. There are also classic Haga style scrolls in relief behind the molded cheekpiece. Complete with a replaced ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a brown surface with some corrosion at the breech. Lock retains a dark, heavy patina and shows scattered pitting, as well as some red staining. Lock appears to be in its original flintlock configuration but barrel has been reconverted. Brass furniture is polished and shows a mellowing patina. Lid shows some bending on one corner and brass shows some wear and scattered marks. The stock shows much of its original finish with some later finish added and some carving smooth from wear, especially behind ramrod entry ferrule. Much of the wood surrounding the lock has been replaced. A very nice early Berks County rifle. PROVENANCE: Joe Kindig, Jr. & Son.
Caliber/Bore
.47 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
Wolfgang Haga, Attributed
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle