December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
This exceedingly rare Type B British made rifle is a period copy of a Lancaster longrifle made for presentation to Indian allies of the British in the third quarter of the 18th century. This example was made by Ketland & Co. and closely resembles Pennsylvania rifles of the period. The rifled octagon barrel features a swamped muzzle and British proofs on left side at the breech, "London" inscription on top flat. Flat lockplate engraved "Ketland / & Co." in center. Brass furniture in the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania style, including an engraved four-piece patchbox with daisy finial. Walnut stock of Lancaster form with relief-carved shell around barrel tang, shaped panels around lock and sideplate, and c-scrolls on left side of buttstock. Relief moldings along forend terminating around ramrod entry ferrule with incised scrolls. Modern wood ramrod. For more information on this type of rifle, see pages 80-86 of De Witt Bailey's "British Flintlock Military Rifles 1740-1840. CONDITION: Barrel has been cleaned due to some heavy pitting and has some added brown finish. Lock retains a grey patina and is a proper professional reconversion, markings worn. Brass retains a pleasing brown mustard patina. Stock shows scattered hairline age cracks, minor repairs and marks from use. A very rare rifle.