September 29, 2021 The Bill Myers Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2021
Probably Reading area, Berks County, Pennsylvania. This fine and early rifle is completely untouched and in as-found condition. It won the award for "Best Uncarved Rifle" in 2002 at the Kentucky Rifle Association Show and still retains its Sterling silver hanging award. The swamped octagonal barrel has deep European style seven-groove rifling. Dovetailed silver front blade sight and notched iron rear sight. German style lock with a molding at the tail, marked F.V.K. on back of plate, early unbridled pan. Trigger has a cutout decorative spur behind it. The brass furniture includes an early brass four-piece patchbox extensively engraved with floral and foliate designs. The slightly crescent early buttplate measures 2" in thickness, faceted tang with patchbox release button. The faceted trigger guard is mounted with a sling swivel in front of the bow and has a wide front tang with wedding band. There is also a sling swivel on the forestock, 10-3/4" back from the muzzle. The brass side plate has beveled edges and is engraved with extensive floral and foliate motifs matching those found on the patchbox. Stocked in fine highly figured tiger maple with early form. There is a symmetrical relief shell design behind the barrel tang, a relief molding along ramrod channel and along toe of buttstock. There is an incised design surrounding the comb. Complete with what appears to be its original brass tipped wooden ramrod with iron tip. Complete with a period associated linen sling. CONDITION: Completely as found and untouched. Barrel retains a spotted grey patina and has deep crisp rifling. Lock retains some original polish with scattered spots of brown patina. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and functions well. Brass retains an unpolished dark mustard patina. Stock very good with a pleasing dark patina and no restoration or repairs. A couple age cracks on right side of forend. A very early and attractive Kentucky rifle in wonderful crisp as found condition. PROVENANCE: Ex. Norm Flayderman. DMG