September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/11/2024
According to the Kentucky Rifle Foundation website, "John Guest was taxed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Borough in the first decade of the 19th century. In addition to classic longrifles he manufactured 1808 contract rifles and pistols for the government. His name appears on original sales manifests for these guns along with the other important makers of this period from Lancaster and York." The octagon barrel is signed "J Guest" in script on the top flat. Flat lock with beveled edges is a replacement. Brass furniture includes a crude four-piece daisy patchbox with single-line borders. The tiger maple stock is carved with incised c-scrolls on the left side of the butt. There is a wave pattern carved along bottom of buttstock on both sides and on left side along buttplate is a stiffleaf pattern. CONDITION: Barrel retains a dark brown patina, signature shows wear but is mostly clear. Barrel stretched about 7". The modern lock is a replacement, barrel was once percussion. Some wood replaced around lock, and front 13 - 1/2" have been restored. Stock has much original finish and dark patina, shows some wear, scattered age cracks and marks from use. Brass retains a mostly mustard patina.
Caliber/Bore
.62 Smoothbore