November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Jacob Metzger Senior worked originally in Lancaster, Pennsylvania then moved to Frederick Town, Maryland, with working dates circa 1765 to 1837. An odd example of Metzger's work, exhibited by Mr. Hartzler at the 2021 Kentucky Rifle Association, with him winning the Top Educational Award. With "odd" buttplate that exhibits more of a straighter Lancaster Style (Ex. Hagy), while carving and other attributes mirror Metzger's work. Rifle has 41 - 1/2" slightly swamped octagonal .50 caliber smoothbore barrel with rifle sights. Barrel is unmarked. Rifle appears to be original flint, with some small springs possibly changed, and controlled with a single trigger. Fine raised carved 1 - 3/4" wide butt curly maple stock with "C" scroll pattern behind cheek, raised shell style wrist carving, dished beavertail pattern behind lock, and backplate with brass hardware. 2 coin silver inlays including silver thumbpiece and engraved hunter's star on cheek. Engraved brass 4 piece patchbox with wave finial seen more on other Lancaster maker's rifles than Metzger's. Comes with hardwood ramrod and consignor research packet. CONDITION: Metal has turned to a silvery brown patina with pitting at breech with brass having a pleasing unpolished patina. Wood has some shrinkage around lock with light burnout above lock. Stress cracks through carving on butt and through action. Small crack near muzzle on forestock. Dark bore and soft mechanics. A nice pleasing Kentucky. DLM
Caliber/Bore
.50 Smoothbore