December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2023
Interesting percussion rifle made circa 1850 by Andrew S. Joy of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later Kittanning. Rifle measures 56" overall with a 40" octagonal .44 caliber rifled barrel stamped "A.S. JOY" and marked at the breech "D. LITTLE", who was a barrel maker in the same time frame and vicinity as Joy. Barrel has 2 dovetail front sights, with one a silver blade and the other missing (possibly for a target globe sight), and a standard notch rear sight; wrist drilled for lollipop style sight. Rifle has a commercial percussion lock with a cleanout-style drum, controlled by double set triggers. Full length curly maple stock with Western Pennsylvania "S" stamping, brass hardware with typical Joy 4-piece patchbox with daisy finial and nicely engraved dog flushing bird on lid. Rifle has pierced brass inlay below cheek and a brass 5-pointed star on cheek. A most unique feature of this rifle is the period brass band wrist repair marked with Roman numerals "XI" over "45". CONDITION: Overall good, with surfaces retaining an honest patina. Barrel has a brown patina with surface pitting and a good clear signature. The brass has been cleaned and is returning to a natural mellow appearance. Wood has been lightly cleaned with period wrist repair and stress cracks at tailpipe and nosepiece; some visible 2-3" slivers are missing along forestock. Dark bore with visible rifling. Functioning mechanics.
Caliber/Bore
.44 Percussion