January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
This rifle is shown on page 34 on "Kentucky Rifle, A True American Heritage" published by the Kentucky Rifle Association. At this time, it was in the John Charles Collection. The rifle is also shown on pages 70-71 in "Gunsmiths of York County" by James B. Whisker. Martin Fry lived between 1769 and 1841, he is listed in the 1799 York tax list as a "single freeman, gunsmith". Before this, he most likely worked for another gunsmith in York during his apprenticeship. This slender rifle has a full length, smoothbore, octagonal barrel with a punch dot decorated muzzle, a brass front sight, and a notched iron rear sight. It is signed in script "Martin Fry" on the top flat near the breech. The flat lockplate has a molded tail. The brass furniture includes a large and ornate, pierced and engraved four piece patchbox. Scrolling vines are engraved on the lid and shaded floral scrolls are on the surrounds and finial. The toeplate is engraved en suite. Classic York County sideplate with beveled edges, a molded tail, and engraved scrolls. Barrel is retained by four brass keys. The slender stock is of partially figured maple and features relief carved panels around the lock and sideplate. There are relief foliate scrolls and 'C' scrolls carved around the barrel tang. There are relief scrolls on both sides of the wrist, and larger floral 'C' scrolls behind the molded cheekpiece. Beneath the cheekpiece is an incised and relief geometric design. There are also sprigs of incised carving around the ramrod entry ferrule. Complete with a wooden ramrod, probably replaced. CONDITION: Barrel retains a spotted brown patina showing sharp edges and some heavy corrosion at breech. Lock has been professionally reconverted to flintlock configuration and functions properly. Now retains a blued finish. Stock shows the wrist was once broken through and professionally repaired, there is also a small sliver towards the toe that has been professionally replaced. This is a very fine York County rifle with slender proportions, signed by a rare maker and featuring extraordinary carving.
Caliber/Bore
.46 Smoothbore
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle