September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
Alfred Gross was a gunsmith and farmer in Sullivan County, Tennessee. He was born there in 1822 and lived until 1902. The 1860 census lists Gross as a farmer owning $2300 in real estate and personal property valued at $500. In 1863, he enrolled in the Owen White's Company of Sullivan County Reserves. In addition, he was an ordained Deacon of the New Bethel Presbyterian Church in 1882. The rifle features a full octagon barrel with a brass front sight with silver blade. Buckhorn rear sight. The barrel is inlaid with a coin silver rectangle on the top flat engraved "A.F.G." The long barrel tang extends to the comb and terminates in a point. The flat lockplate has a rounded tail that is stamp engraved with a pheasant scene and the center is stamped "G. GOULCHER" in a banner surrounded by scrolls. The lock has a roller frizzen and scroll engraved reinforced cock. Iron furniture typical of maker Alfred Gross's other signed rifles. Iron 2-piece patchbox, trigger guard, double-set triggers, and single lock retaining screw with long thin ovoid side-plate below. Iron nosecap and short iron ramrod ferrules. Figured tiger maple stock of classic East Tennessee form, carved with large "C H" behind trigger guard tang. Complete with its period ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a dark brown patina, signature excellent. Lock retains a brown patina and appears to be a very good professional reconversion. Iron furniture retains a dark patina. Stock retains its original surface and shows one area of possible restoration on right side behind center ramrod ferrule, about 6". Wrist has been cracked and well-repaired, a couple small slivers replaced around lockplate. The restoration is nearly impossible to detect. A very nice signed Tennessee rifle by an important maker. From the Louie Parker Collection.
Manufacturer
Alfred Farington Gross
Model
Flintlock Tennessee Rifle