November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
Percussion Kentucky style rifle stamped on barrel "J.THOMAS". Seller's lists a "J. Thomas" as working in Washington County, Virginia among several others who could be this gunsmith. Rifle has a 43 -1/2" octagon rifled barrel that is lightly swamped with German silver blade front sight and rear notched fixed rifle sight with floral engraving around sights and breech. Gun has full curly maple stock with brass hardware including a 3-petal flower finial 4-piece engraved patchbox with 8 piercings and lid engraved with 2 sailing ships. Stock has 15 mussel shell inlays including 4 acorn-shaped wrist inlays, several diamond designs behind cheek, and several along toe. Gun has engraved brass comb piece and saddle plate with 3-piece backplate with Federal Eagle engraved on it. Stock also has 15 coin silver inlays including 2 forestock fish inlays and an oval plate with Federal Eagle with banner engraved with "E PLURIBUS UNUM". Gun has "WARRANTED" marked percussion lock with double set trigger control. A really nice and folksy percussion Kentucky rifle by a talented gunsmith of unknown origin. Comes with original hardwood ramrod. CONDITION: Overall good condition with metal turning a plum patina. Brass has been cleaned and is fading back to a golden patina. Wood has traces of original finish with small gouge under lockplate. Small hairline crack behind tailpipe. Several of the shell inlays are cracking with some missing pieces. Shootable bore with good mechanics. A nice well-executed rifle with lots of folksy designs in need of more research on maker. DLM