December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
This pistol has classic Lehigh County form with its egg-shaped wrist that is wider across the top than on the sides. For another pistol attributed to Peter Neihart that has the same exact form and most of the same hardware, see number 153 on pg. 175 of "The Kentucky Pistol" by Chandler & Whisker. The attribution to Neihart is confirmed by the engraving found on the sideplate. The exact designs and heavy hand can be seen on the signed Neihart rifle on pg. 1 of "Kentucky Rifles and Pistols 1750-1850" published by The Golden Age Arms Company and James R. Johnston. There are no signed Neihart pistols known and very few signed rifles. The octagon barrel is unmarked. Hand-forged lock with flat lockplate and beveled edges. Plain brass trigger guard and pommel cap that terminates in point. Sideplate engraved with a shell around rear lock bolt and other whimsical designs and borders. The pistol was made without any ramrod ferrules. Complete with a replaced ramrod. Trigger has a rearward curl. Stocked in tiger maple with classic Lehigh County form and a cane grip. CONDITION: Barrel retains a brown patina. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration, retains a brown patina. Brass retains a pleasing mustard patina. Stock has a beautiful orange honey color. Some minor marks from use and a hairline crack on underside at muzzle. A very pleasing Lehigh County pistol with great architecture. PROVENANCE: Ex. Dr. Joseph A. Murphy Collection. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.45 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
Neihart, Attributed