December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
This rifle is accompanied by a receipt for $40,000 from June 15, 2012 from Joe Kindig Antiques. The rifle is published in "Longrifles of Note" by George Shumway and the article was printed in "Muzzle Blasts" in October, 1981. The rifle is also published on page 70 as rifle 31 in "Berks County Longrifles & Makers 1750-1900" by Patrick Hornberger. It is noted as part of the Joe Kindig, Jr. Collection and labeled as "Possibly the earliest Bonewitz rifle". This rifle has very early features that could date it to the Revolutionary War. John Bonewitz worked in Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania, in Berks County. He is listed as being in service in the Revolutionary War in the York Militia in 1781. This rifle features include a sliding wood patchbox, wide 1 - 15/16" buttplate that is nearly flat, and a trigger guard with return nearly parallel to wrist. The octagon barrel has a swamped muzzle. The Germanic lock is likely a second lock, despite the description by Shumway in the article and the Kindig receipt. The lock was possibly replaced during the rifle's period of use. The brass furniture is in the classic Bonewitz style. The robust figured tiger maple stock features its original sliding wood patchbox lid. The left side of the stock is carved with relief scrolls and c-scrolls. Shaped relief panels surround lock and sideplate, and large scrolls are carved in relief around barrel tang. CONDITION: The rifle was shortened at the butt during its period of use by about 1", pull is now 13". Barrel retains a brown patina with soft edges. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and retains a dark brown patina, functions properly. Brass retains a pleasing dark mustard patina. Stock mostly dry and showing some wear, age cracks and scattered marks from use. Some wood loss on left side of breech, just behind pan. A small about the last 2" of forend before nosecap have been restored. A very early and important document Kentucky rifle.
Caliber/Bore
.62 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
Johannes Bonewitz, Attributed
Paperwork
Folder of Information