April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2021
Percussion Kentucky style rifle made by Marine Tiler Wickham and Joseph Mathews in the Emmitsburg, Maryland area circa 1830. Only three rifles are known by this maker. Gun is pictured in "Maryland Longrifles" by Daniel D. Hartzler and James Biser Whisker and in "Arms Makers of Maryland" in Figure 33 on page 46. Wickham is said to have apprenticed with John Armstrong. Rifle features a full octagon large caliber rifled bore with German silver blade front sight and rear notch sight. Barrel has brass inlayed plate signed in script "WICKHAM & MATHEWS". Next to the signature plate is inscribed "R.K. Peterman Oct 4 1877" which could possibly been a former owner. Barrel also comes with gunsmith made iron sun shield. Gun has a Golcher percussion lock with single trigger control. Full curly maple stock with brass hardware including a double shield finial 4 piece patchbox with 6 piercings and floral engraved patchbox lid. Other hardware includes a nicely pierced toeplate. Gun has engraved silver inlays including a vine tang inlay and a cheekpiece with Federal Eagle inscribed "LIBERTY". CONDITION: Rifle has some heavy restoration with lock mortise being refaced and wrist having been repaired. Metal has faded to an aged patina with some light surface corrosion and some pitting around the percussion drum. Wood has heavy added coat of shellac with brass and silver covered. Lock does not hold cock. Dark bore with visible rifling. DLM
Item Dimensions: L: 60".
Caliber/Bore
.56 Percussion