April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/12/2023
There are multiple Keeners recorded in Stockel (all were working in Maryland); given the working dates it is most like a very late Peter Keener or a very early John (John was Peter's son). Octagonal barrel with bead front sight, light stiff leaf engraving over the breech underside with British CP proofs and a faint "TWISTED", key anchor has evidence of an interesting period brass repair. Gold touch hole. Flat stepped lock converted back to flintlock with single bolt, fenced waterproof pan, bridled pan cover, roller bearing frizzen, engraved with florals at rear, rays around end of lock bolt and signed "KEENER" under the pan. Push on English safety. Diminutive swan neck cock. Safety, cock, and gold bushing are replacements, possibly from a reconversion. Horn tipped ramrod with a jag on reverse, covered by a threaded cap, retained by a single ferrule feeding into a reinforced mouth. Half stock with silver forearm tip, silver barrel key escutcheon, Trigger guard with spur, engraved in with a stand of arms, and pineapple finial. Silver thumbpiece in the shape of a shield. Well checkered bag grip. CONDITION: Overall very good. Barrel has been cleaned to a bright silver with some spots of patina and polishing marks. Stock is good, with evidence of a mainspring kick underneath the lock, which has been repaired with a modern nail. Other light handling marks to stock. Checkering is very good with some abrasions to heads. Mechanics not checked to avoid worsening mainspring kick, bore is very good with a minimum of oxidation. PROVENANCE: This pistol is photographed in "The William M. Locke Collection", The Antique Armory, pg. 408.