November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Kentucky half stock rifle signed "I. SHUNK" on brass barrel plate. Shunk worked in Taneytown, Maryland, circa 1801 to 1850. Rifle was found in Western Pennsylvania and has a diamond inlay near patchbox marked "A.STRAWVICK"; A. Strawvick worked in Butler, Pennsylvania at and around the time Shunk was in Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, indicating a possible collaboration between master and student. Rifle has 37 -1/4" octagon .58 caliber smoothbore barrel with rifle sights and Shunk script signature brass barrel plate. Unmarked percussion lock controlled with a double set trigger. Fine curly maple stock with brass hardware including a daisy finial patchbox, brass saddle plate, and 25 silver inlays including fish, flowers, and a silver nosecap. Comes with hardwood ramrod. CONDITION: Metal has turned to a silvery brown patina with brass having a pleasing unpolished patina. Wood has some slight burnout around lock; gun has most likely always been both percussion and half stock. Lock mortise shows some evidence of shrinkage and some chips missing around mortise. Wrist shows evidence of old break and repair with repaired trigger guard. Dark bore and soft mechanics. DLM
Caliber/Bore
.58 Smoothbore