December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
John Keller is listed as a gunsmith in Carlisle, Pennsylvania beginning in 1823. This is one of his earlier rifles and features a heavy, rifled barrel stamped "J KELLER" on the top flat. High front blade sight and large wide notched rear sight. Imported lock with engraved bird at the tail and stamped "LONDON / WARRANTED" in the center. Features include a reinforced cock and double-set triggers. The brass furniture includes a beautiful 4-piece patchbox with fine scroll engraving throughout and a pierced finial. The rifle has 8 engraved silver inlays, including 6 on the forend, an oval wrist escutcheon, and an engraved crescent moon with face above the cheekpiece. Brass barrel keys. Highly figured tiger maple stock. Complete with its original brass tipped wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Very good overall. Barrel retains much of original browned finish, markings excellent. Lock appears to be in its original flintlock condition and retains a brown patina, markings very good. Does not hold on full-cock. Brass retains a pleasing mustard patina. Stock retains much original dark finish under a later coat. A very well-made and high quality Kentucky rifle signed by a Pennsylvania maker. DMG