January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
Full length, three stage barrel with an applied teardrop shaped front sight and a notched rear sight. Partially visible signature "P Berry" inscribed on top flat. Flat lockplate with a deep molding towards the tail and beveled edges. Frizzen spring finial is in the shape of an acorn. Brass furniture includes the classic four piece pierced and engraved Peter Berry patchbox, terminating with a three petaled flower at the finial. The sideplate is in the typical style of Peter Berry and has beveled edges. There is an engraved brass inlay on top of the cheekpiece and a shaped and engraved brass toeplate. Barrel is retained by three brass keys. Figured maple stock of Lancaster form with a wide buttstock and carved relief panels surrounding the lock and sideplate, and Peter Berry's signature foliate scrolls and checkered panel around the barrel tang. There are deep grooves surrounded by incised lines on both sides of the forearm and a relief carved design around the ramrod entry ferrule. There are incised designs around the front of the trigger guard tang as well as relief and incised designs on both sides of the wrist. Behind the cheekpiece there are relief carved scrolls with incised decorations and flowers in the classic Peter Berry style. Complete with an old wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a heavy brown patina and signature is partially visible with heavy corrosion at the breech. Lock appears to be in its original flintlock configuration and also retains a dark, heavy patina. Brass retains a mellow, mustard patina and shows some wear. Stock shows much original finish and carving on left side at the buttstock, showing little wear. There is some wear to carving at barrel tang and behind ramrod entry ferrule. There is one area of loss where the stock has worn through exposing the ramrod in front of the trigger guard. Some chipping around lock and some splinters are absent along forend. Forend shows about 14-1/4" have been replaced but using period wood and it is very well matched. There are a few slivers replaced along the forend and a sliver at the tail of the lock. A very nice example of Peter Berry's work. PROVENANCE: Lot 457 Sotheby's European Works of Art sale, June 5th, 1997; see page 178.
Caliber/Bore
.57 Smoothbore
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle