January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
There are only about four examples known of signed John Lowmaster rifles. Their characteristics are consistent with York Borough and York County Pennsylvania during the last quarter of the 18th century. The full length octagon barrel is now smoothbore and features a silver and brass front sight, and a notched rear sight. It is signed "J. Lowmaster" in script. The flat, handforged lockplate features beveled edges and moldings at the tail. The brass furniture includes a York County four piece patchbox engraved with scrolls. The flat sideplate features simple borders and a foliate design around the rear lock screw. The barrel is retained by four brass barrel keys. There is a large oval shaped wrist escutcheon and an engraved eight point star above the cheekpiece. The highly figured maple stock has a checkered wrist and relief and incised scrolls behind the cheekpiece, as well as an incised design below the cheekpiece. CONDITION: Barrel retains a brown patina with a clear signature and some corrosion towards breech. Lock has been professionally reconverted to flintlock configuration and functions properly, retains a brown patina. Brass retains a mellowing light mustard patina with some scattered marks from use and minor denting. Silver wrist escutcheon is a replacement. Checkering probably refreshed. Stock has a repaired break at the wrist with some pieces of wood replaced but the restoration is very good and well blended, otherwise stock shows wear and some scattered marks. A nice rifle by a rare York maker.
Caliber/Bore
.54 Smoothbore
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle