September 29, 2021 The Bill Myers Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2021
Probably circa 1810, this elaborate and unique rifle is featured on page 4 of "Accouterments V" by James R. Johnston. It has a rifled octagon barrel with a dovetailed silver front blade sight and a notched rear sight. The flat lockplate is stamped "DREPERT" in the center and has a chased reopening foliate molding at the tail. The rifle has double set triggers. There are a total of 14 engraved silver inlays; including four s-shaped inlays on each side of the forend surrounding each of the brass barrel keys. There are hearts on each side of the wrist and a silver inlay inscribed with worn initials on the top of the wrist. There is a large eight point star above the cheekpiece and a large early eagle with an elongated neck surrounded by carving behind the cheekpiece. The brass furniture includes an elaborately engraved four piece patchbox with three piercings and foliate and scroll engraving. The unusual shaped flat sheet brass sideplate is engraved with rocker panel borders. Long pierced and engraved toeplate and gadrooned and engraved nose cap. Brass double ramrod ferrules and plain faceted trigger guard and buttplate tang. The highly figured tiger maple stock has southern form and a sleeved wrist. There are incised foliate scrolls on both sides of the wrist and surrounding the large eagle inlaid on the left side of the stock. Beneath the cheekpiece, there is a relief 1/2 oval checkered panel. Along both sides of the forend, there are double lines engraved with crosshatching between them. Complete with a period wooden ramrod and associated hunting bag and horn. CONDITION: Completely unaltered and untouched. Barrel and lock retain a dark patina. Some percussion corrosion at breech. Lock was converted to percussion during the period of use and functions well. Brass retains a pleasing mustard patina and silver retains a light pewter patina. One barrel key escutcheon on right side of forend is unsecured and included. One lock retaining screw is a replacement. Stock retains a pleasing honey color with much original surface, shows some wear and scattered marks. A couple minor age fractures below lockplate. Bag and horn are very good. Complete with an appraisal dated Dec. 9, 1988 from Jim Johnston valuing the rifle at $12,500. Also included are notes about where the rifle was found in a Maryland collection. A very attractive and highly decorated Kentucky rifle in wonderful as found condition. DMG