January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
This rifle is pictured on pages 44-45 of "Gunsmiths of York County" by James B. Whisker. Jacob Altland lived between 1785 and 1830 and worked as a gunsmith in York County, Pennsylvania. His great aunt was married to master gunsmith George Eister. His work suggests he apprenticed under Eister. He is listed as working between 1815 and 1830 in Dover Township, York County. His shop was located at Orts Mills. His estate inventory showed many items associated with the trade of gunsmithing. The heavy, octagon barrel is rifled and features a decorated muzzle face. There is a silver punch dot decorated front sight and a notched rear sight. The rifle is signed "J Altland" in script on the top flat. The lockplate features engraved decorations and is marked "R / ASHMORE / WARRANTED". The rifle features double set triggers and brass furniture. The four piece patchbox is engraved with foliate scrolls and broken line borders. It is retained by seven screws similar to Eister's method. The unusual patchbox release is located on the left side of the buttstock against the buttplate. The sideplate is engraved with foliate scrolls and broken line borders. There is a large oval inlay behind the ramrod entry ferrule featuring a shaded eight point star surrounded by borders and designs. There are eight silver inlays on the forend, one around each barrel key, and there is a silver oval shaped wrist escutcheon with rocker panel borders. There is another silver inlay above the cheekpiece with an engraved, shaded eight point star. The rifle has a full length highly figured maple stock in the classic York County form with relief scrolls around the barrel tang and ramrod entry ferrule. There are relief scrolls on both sides of the wrist and the comb is sleeved. Behind the cheekpiece there are finely executed relief scrolls with incised accents, reminiscent of the work of George Eister. CONDITION: Barrel retains a brown patina with some corrosion at the breech and a crisp, clear signature. Lock has been professionally reconverted to flintlock configuration, does not hold on cock. Brass furniture retains a mellow patina and shows some light marks from use. Stock shows a minor piece replaced above lockplate and some scattered marks from use. Toeplate a possible replacement. A very nice, signed, and relief carved York County rifle.
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle