September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
Rare Kentucky pistol made by master craftsman John Armstrong of Emmitsburg, Maryland, circa 1830, and was recently discovered in a Western Pennsylvania family that originally came from York County. This pistol, 1 of 2 known signed by Armstrong, is very similar to the Sam Dyke pistol and is possibly a mate to the known example, or perhaps the two were made as a pair. Overall, the pistol is 13 - 5/8" with 8" octagon to round .50 caliber smoothbore barrel signed in script "John Armstrong" with original blade front sight. Lock is an original signed in script "John Armstrong" rat tail plate that has been converted to percussion in the period with original shaped single trigger control. Modified with a military-style captured steel ramrod attached with period copper bands, indicating this gun might have been carried as a sidearm. Stocked in curly maple with beavertail carving behind lock and pierced brass sideplate. Stock is decorated with coin silver engraved floral design that matches the other known pistol and a floral engraved German silver buttcap, that also matches other known pistol. Forestock has had brass nosepiece and one barrel key removed for installation of ramrod device. Brass trigger guard matches other pistol and is original; tail was broken and shortened to repair it. CONDITION: Overall attic condition with some slivers of wood around lock missing, damage and wood replacement from ramrod installation, and light burnout damage. Metal has turned a brown patina and, unfortunately, there are what looks to be vise marks on top of barrel. Stock has a stable crack in handle area with traces of original finish. Trigger guard has been repaired with replacement brass screw. Brass sideplate has replacement brass screw. Tailpipe has dents from heavy use. Dark pitted bore with functional but weak mechanics. A super rare find!
Caliber/Bore
.50 Percussion
Manufacturer
John Armstrong