January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
In his book, Joe Kindig, Jr. states that Bonewitz rarely signed his work and he only knew of one signed example at that time. However, the signature characteristics that he developed identify his rifles quite easily. The full length, deeply rifled, octagon barrel has a brass front sight and an iron rear sight. The flat lockplate has a molding towards the tail and beveled edges. The brass furniture includes Bonewitz's signature patchbox with engraved scroll designs. The sideplate is classic Berks County with beveled edges and there is a silver wrist escutcheon with engraved borders. Full length figured maple stock in the classic, early Berks County form with relief panels around the lock and sideplate, terminating in a teardrop in the back. Relief carved foliate scrolls surround the barrel tang. There are fine, incised, and relief scrolls on the inside of the wrist and extensive relief scrolls on the opposite side. Behind the cheekpiece is one of the signature designs used by John Bonewitz with large relief 'C' scrolls with incised designs incorporated. There is a relief scalloped panel beneath the cheekpiece. Complete with a replaced wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a brown patina with corrosion towards the breech. Lock is a replacement but is in original flintlock configuration. Brass shows scattered marks from use and some wear and retains a mustard patina. Stock shows a more recent coat of finish and no replaced wood or restoration. There is some wear to carving around barrel tang and some cracks along the forend. Much original finish is still present. A very attractive "Golden Age" Berks County rifle by a master gunsmith.
Manufacturer
John Bonewitz
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle