December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
One of only 500 muskets produced by John and Samuel Kerlin under a 1797 contract made with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (CP). Kerlin 1797 CP muskets are extremely rare today, with no record found of one in sale at auction in the past 30 years, this one acquired in coastal Maine in 2017. It has a 44 in. L, smoothbore barrel of 0.71 bore, secured to walnut full-stock with three iron barrel bands. The state's view and proof marks on left side of barrel near breech: "[Liberty cap]" / "P" with "(Liberty Cap)" proof, while the tail of the flat lock is stamped "CP" and stamped inside "I. KERLIN". A large "A" is carved into the right face of the butt, while the left face bears an "IL" in prickwork, with a small stamped "10". The musket is complete with all original parts, including sling swivels, and in true "attic" condition, with a crack in the small of stock just behind the lock/tang are, some chips and dings to the wood and the ironwork all a dark patina with moderate pitting around breech/vent. The finial of the top jaw screw is broken off, but otherwise with lock in good working order.