February 24th & 25th 2012 General (02)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/24/2012
School: Lancaster. Circa 1840 to 1860. Overall length: 55”. Barrel length: 37 – 1/2” (original). Octagonal barrel. Percussion mechanism. Four-piece patchbox. Walnut stock. No carvings. This special silver-mounted half-stock rifle shows the highest level of Henry Leman’s quality. While there are other Lehman rifles which may have more ornamentation. All of these mountings are first-rate. All of the Germany silver mountings are beautifully engraved with the exception of the two barrel escutcheons, nose cap, and buttplate. The exquisite five-piercing patchbox is covered with prolific engraving as is the “pineapple” finial toeplate and trigger guard. The finely finished high-grade walnut stock has very fine cross-hatching on the wrist panel and is also in superb condition, with Leman choosing an oval cheek-piece. The octagonal (37 – 1/2") barrel is marked typically, “Leman Lancaster Warranted” and the back-action lock is marked “Leman Lancaster” and has very fine engraving. Sometime in the early 20th century, a “target-shooter” owner had a box custom made for this rifle and its accessories, which include a unique brass starter device, several bullet molds, peep sights, false muzzle, and of course an array of caps for the lock. A sighting plate laid upon the barrel tang is inscribed “E.F. Burkins 1936”. This is an exceptional “Leman” rifle that has enjoyed over a century of usage by its proud owners.