April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2021
Rare Bedford County percussion Kentucky-style rifle signed by William Defibaugh made in 1855 in Robinsonville, Monroe Township Bedford County. Full octagon 40 - 1/4" rifled barrel with blade front sight and rear notch sight signed in script "W. Defibaugh". Beautiful hand-forged "rat tail" original Bedford county percussion lock signed in script "W.D." with handmade Bedford County High Spur hammer controlled by double set triggers. Two bolt brass lock sideplate engraved "18 December the 21th 55" in script. Very rare dated sideplate with being made 4 days from Christmas in 1855( Was it made as a gift?). Full curly maple stock with brass furniture including a typical four-piece Bedford Style "Q" finial patchbox with engraved lid. Unusual formed nosepiece. Three coin silver inlays including two teardrop-shaped wrist inlays and a Federal Eagle on the cheekpiece. Comes with original hardwood ramrod. A nice light Bedford with elegant Bedford County architecture. This rifle was purchased by consignor at an Estate Sale in Ohio and has never been pictured or offered publicly for sale since. CONDITION: Gun exhibits a pleasing overall original patina with excellent visible signature. Rifle has possibly been shortened approximately 2" at the breech as there is no nose piece moulding and signature is near breech and rear sight is not in the usual "over the tailpipe" position. This is a normal occurence with usage. Wood has nice original dark finish remaining with some small chips out of pin areas and a small crack near top of lock backplate. Brass has original golden patina with coin silver showing a dark original patina. Dark shootable bore with good mechanics. A classic Rare Dated Bedford rifle by one of the great Bedford makers in excellent original condition. DLM
Caliber/Bore
.36 Percussion