Premier Firearms Auction #70

May 05, 2017 to May 07, 2017

This auction has ended.

Premier Firearms Auction #70

May 05, 2017 to May 07, 2017

This auction has ended.

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Showing 1-50 of 120 results

Outstanding Embellished Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle with Gold Inlaid Game Scenes and Relief Carved Deluxe Walnut Stock and Forend in .45-70

Lot 13

Winchester 1886 Fully Engraved/Embellished Turnbull Restoration

This is probably the most impressive of the highly embellished examples of this group of lever action rifles. This specific rifle is a Winchester Model 1886 that was originally manufactured in 1912 in the always popular .45-70 cartridge and subsequently custom embellished. This beautiful rifle features a 26 inch full octagon barrel, takedown mechanism, a half-length magazine tube, a pistol grip stock, and a crescent buttplate. It has a beautiful rust blued metal finish and a color casehardened hammer, loading lever, and crescent buttplate. This rifle exhibits the most extensive engraving and solid gold game animal scenes that are enhanced with huge amounts of both gold and platinum wire inlays that both form the borders on the rifle as well as enhance the overall themes. There are six gold inlaid game animals; one bear and two dogs on the left side in a single panel scene, a mountain lion stalking a large buck on the right side, and a large bull moose in a separate scene on the underside of the receiver. All six animals have wonderful highlighted detail and symmetrical appearances and features. Five of the game animals are depicted in their appropriate forest or mountain habitats, and all of the animals are enhanced by large both large and small English type scroll engraving and geometric accents and borders. This rifle also includes numerous and extensive gold and platinum filled wire borders around the game scenes, the sides and borders of the receivers, as well as on the barrel, the forend cap, the takedown mechanism, loading lever and buttplate. There are also several areas where the engraver intertwined several gold and platinum wires vignettes to help accent the borders. The large gold inlaid game animals and wire borders are masterfully executed throughout. This rifle is pictured in his book "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" on page 1 and 2. The game animal scenes/engraving depicted are actually copies of the original Winchester number 1 pattern engraving. "A" style pattern of hand carving are on the stock and forend. The rifle has been signed on the right underside of the receiver with an intertwined "D/T" initials. The fine scroll engraving is also on the muzzle and breech end of the barrel, underside of the receiver, sides of the forend cap, sides of the cocking lever and heel and toe area of the buttplate. The engraving and inlays cover approximately 65% of the rifle's metal surface. The intricate and detailed gold wire inlays are found on the rear of the forend cap, the front edge of the receiver, both sides (the flats) of the receiver and on the heel of the buttplate. Additionally, the muzzle and breech end of the barrel have double barrel bands; one gold and the other band platinum. The rifle is fitted with an extra fancy, deluxe pistol grip walnut stock and forend beautifully hand carved in the Winchester "A" style noted above. The wood has been highly hand polished and varnished. The top of the barrel has been roll marked with the two-line factory style markings of: "MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO./NEW HAVEN CONN U.S.A. PATENTED OCT.14.1885, JAN.20.1885.," and the caliber markings "45-70" is stamped in front of the receiver. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1886-WINCHESTER-TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF." The rifle is accompanied by a "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" catalog by Doug Turnbull Restoration.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70

Price Realized:

Fine Special Order Winchester Model 1894 Semi-Deluxe Takedown Lever Action Rifle

Lot 64

Winchester - 1894-Carbine Special Order

Manufactured in 1910 with a semi-deluxe checkered pistol grip stock, double set triggers and Lyman short range tang mounted peep sight. Dovetailed beaded blade front sight with no rear sight provisions. The upper left barrel flat is marked with the two line address/patent date ahead of where the rear sight would normally be. The upper left flat near the breech has the two line nickel steel/smokeless powder marking and "32-40" at the breech. The Winchester oval proof is marked on top of the barrel flat and receiver at the breech. The underside of the frame is marked with the serial number. Mounted with a checkered walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with factory hard rubber grip cap and crescent buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 32-40

Price Realized:

Lot 77

Marlin Model 1881 Lever Action Rifle with Double Set Triggers

Manufactured from 1881 to 1892. This rifle features the two-line address/patent date marking ending with "RE-ISSUE NOV. 9. 1880" ahead of the rear sight and "40 CAL" at the breech. Fitted with a German silver blade front sight (replacement) and elevation adjustable rear sight. The action has double set triggers. Mounted on a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a smooth buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40-60 Marlin

Price Realized:

Historic Berdan's Sharpshooters Sharps New Model 1859 Rifle with Socket Bayonet

Lot 104

Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company New Model 1859 Rifle 52 Sharp

Sharps New Model 1859 rifle and bayonet manufactured c. 1862. This is one of 2,000 Sharps Model 1859 rifles purchased by the Ordnance Department for issue to the 1st and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooter Regiments organized and recruited by Col. Hiram Berdan in 1861-2. Berdan was a prominent New York businessman and target shooter who recruited two regiments of sharpshooters. The two U.S. Sharpshooter regiments (U.S.S.) were composed of experienced marksman from Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Wisconsin. The regiments were intended to serve as skirmishers and light infantry modeled on the famous British Rifle Brigade. Like their British counterparts the U.S.S. were issued dark green uniforms with non-reflective black buttons. Berdan selected the New Model 1859 Sharps rifle to arm the Sharpshooters. After considerable lobbying by Berdan, the Ordnance Department agreed to supply the Sharpshooters with 2,000 Sharps rifles. The genuine examples of the Model 1859 rifles manufactured for the U.S.S. fall within serial numbers 54374-57567. Only 500 of the Berdan contract rifles have factory double set triggers, and all had a block front sight that serves as a socket bayonet lug, rear sight with 900 yard center notch and a casehardened iron patch box. The U.S.S. contract rifles were primarily sub-inspected by Orville W. Ainsworth and Ordnance final inspector John Taylor and are stamped the block initials "O.W.A." on the left barrel flat and the script initials "JT" in and oval on the left stock wrist The U.S.S. regiments were assigned to the Army of the Potomac and saw extensive action at the battles of Yorktown, Gaines Mill, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Grovetown and Antietam in 1862. In 1863 the regiments were heavily engaged at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Mine Run. By autumn of 1863 most of the surviving members of the 1st U.S.S. completed their three-year enlistment and were mustered out of service. The survivors of the 2nd U.S.S. continued to serve until February 1865 when the regiment was disbanded. The Berdan's Sharpshooters served with distinction in some of the most important battles of the Civil War and claimed to have inflicted more casualties on the Confederate Army than any other Federal regiments. This rifle has a 30-inch barrel secured by three bands. The barrel has a block bayonet lug/front sight and 900 yard fold leaf rear sight with "R.S. Lawrence" patent markings on the base. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD CT." in three lines ahead of the rear sight and "NEW MODEL 1859" behind it. The Ordnance Sub-inspector initials "O.W.A." are stamped on the left barrel flat. The serial number "55881" is stamped on the underside of the barrel. The receiver is fitted with factory double-set triggers and the standard Lawrence pellet primer. The right side plate is roll-stamped with the standard Sharps 1852 patent markings and the R.S. Lawrence 1859 patent markings. The left side of the receiver is stamped with the Sharps two-line patent markings. The serial number "55881" is stamped on the upper receiver tang. The middle barrel band and stock are fitted with factory sling swivels, and the right side of the stock has an iron patch box. The barrel and breechblock were originally blued, and the barrel bands, receiver, hammer, lever, patch box and buttplate were color casehardened. Traces of the original fire-blue finish are visible on the pellet primer and lever pin. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut. Very faint traces of the "JT" Ordnance final inspection mark are visible on the left stock wrist. This rifle is complete with a bright finished socket bayonet with 18-inch fluted blade. The only marking on the bayonet is a block "L" on the right side of the socket. The bayonet fits the rifle perfectly. Although bayonets were issued with all of the Berdans Sharps rifles they were un-popular and frequently disregarded; surviving examples are rare.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 52 Sharps

Price Realized:

Outstanding U.S. Inspected Spencer Model 1865 Repeating Military Rifle

Lot 131

Outstanding U.S. Spencer Modle 1865 Repeating Rifle

This is one of approximately 1,000 50 caliber Spencer Model 1865 repeating rifles manufactured with six groove rifling. These rifle are found in the 1 to 23000 serial number range. This example is martially inspected. The rifle is equipped with a front sight that doubles as a lug for a socket bayonet and folding ladder rear sight graduated to 900 yards. The top of the barrel is marked "M 1865" at the breech, and the left side of the barrel is marked "EAW." The top of the casehardened receiver is marked "SPENCER REPEATING/RIFLE CO. BOSTON MASS/PAT'D MARCH 6, 1860." Several of the components have single letter inspection marks. The barrel is blue, and the remaining surfaces are casehardened. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock. There are three barrel bands, an iron forend cap and two sling swivels. The left side of the stock wrist has two script letter cartouches.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50

Price Realized:

Documented Sharps Model 1874 Buffalo Heavy Barrel Rifle with Double Set Triggers and Factory Letter

Lot 222

Sharps Model 1874 Buffalo Rifle with Factory Letter

The included factory letter confirms the rifle fires .45, 2 7/8 inch case ammunition from the 30 inch full octagon barrel and has double triggers, open sights, oil finished stock and 14 1/2 pound total weight. The rifle was invoiced at the Bridgeport factory on October 19, 1877, to B. Kittredge & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio, a well-known supplier of Sharps rifles out west for commercial buffalo hunters. The heavy barrel is marked "Old Reliable" in an octagon box followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." ahead of the rear sight and "CAL 45" at the breech. The receiver has the patent date marking. The underside of the barrel under the forearm is numbered to the gun and marked with the number "10" to indicate the barrel weight. The straight grip stock is fitted with a checkered steel buttplate. Many Sharps rifles were manufactured in some of the most powerful black powder cartridges ever made. The use of double set triggers and a set of cross sticks made them incredibly accurate. By shooting from a distance, hunters had the opportunity to inflict multiple casualties among a herd without stampeding the remaining animals.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-2-7/8

Price Realized:

Lot 223

Sharps Model 1853 Slant Breech Percussion Sporting Rifle

Approximately 2,970 Model 1853 Sporting Rifles were manufactured between 1854 and 1859 in a variety of configurations. In "Sharps Firearms," Frank Sellers lists 1,127 60 bore sporting rifles with octagon barrels and plain finish. This group would have included a variety of barrel lengths and other features. The breechblock has the early oval flash hole and platinum ring, and it was one of the first few hundred manufactured given these 1853 sporting rifles fall within the 8000-27500 range. It also features a dovetailed blade front sight, folding ladder and notch rear sight, standard markings including matching serial numbers (barrel, upper tang, breechblock, lock, patch box, and buttplate), pewter forearm cap, double set triggers, saddle ring on the lower tang, smooth stock and forearm, and two screws in the upper tang (likely once fitted with a peep sight).

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 60 Bore

Price Realized:

Very Fine Sharps 1874 Conversion Single Shot Sporting Rifle

Lot 225

Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company - 1874-Rifle

Sharps manufactured approximately 6,400 Model 1874 Sporting rifles between 1871 and 1880. This specific rifle was one converted by Sharps using an altered left over Civil War action. They were popular with market hunters in the West and were well known for their ability to takedown bison at long ranges. They were also popular with long range target shooters and were used in both capacities well after the Sharps Rifle Company closed in 1881 due to increased competition from Winchester's famous lever action and single shot rifles. Many Sharps rifles were manufactured in some of the most powerful black powder cartridges ever made. The use of double set triggers and a set of cross sticks made them incredibly accurate. The top barrel flat is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN." ahead of the rear sight and script "Old Reliable" in a rectangle with flattened corners ahead of that. The left rear flat near the breech is marked "CAL. 40 2 1/2". The matching serial number is marked on the underside of the barrel under the forearm (bolder and minus the "C") and on the upper tang. The left side of the receiver is marked "SHARPS PAT. SEPT 12TH 1848", and the lock is marked "C. SHARPS' PAT/OCT. 5TH 1852". Dovetailed German silver blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight graduated to "8". It has a blue barrel, casehardened remaining parts, double set triggers, and is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip repurposed stock with a saddle ring bar plate on the left wrist and a carbine style buttplate. There is a boxed "P" on the underside of the forearm at the receiver.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40

Price Realized:

Lot 226

Sporting Rifle Conversion of a Spencer Civil War Carbine

When the Civil War came to a close in May of 1865, the U.S. military had hundreds of thousands of firearms of various makes and designs in the arsenals. Many were now outdated and sold as surplus, and even some of the more advanced arms like the Spencer repeaters were not all retained. J. P. Gemmer, who took over the Hawken brothers' shop in St. Louis in the early 1860s, and other firearms dealers converted surplus carbines and rifles into sporting rifles for settlers headed to the West. Many by Gemmer and Meacham were styled after the classic plains rifles used before the war. This example has a German silver blade front sight, adjustable sporting notch rear sight, "ST. LOUIS" stamped ahead of the rear sight dovetail, "S. HAWKEN" behind the dovetail under the rear sight, standard Spencer marking on top of the action, a poured pewter forend cap, a wooden ramrod, removed saddle ring bar, custom elongated trigger guard/lever with spur, and double set triggers. The Hawken marking highly suggests the rifle was built by the Gemmer shop in St. Louis.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 52

Price Realized:

Lot 227

Rare Spencer Repeating Sporting Rifle

Only 1,800 Spencer sporting rifles are believed to have been manufactured in 1864 to 1868. Most were chambered for the .56-46 spencer cartridge. The cartridge was suitable for use on small to medium game. Many of these rifles undoubtedly saw hard use in the West for hunting and self defense. This example has "521" marked on top of the action. The "5" is partially cutoff by one of the sight mounting screws. The receiver ring has the standard address and patent marking. "22" is stamped on barrel, forearm, front of the frame, lock, breechblock components, and buttplate at the toe. The breech has the Spencer cuttoff device, and the forearm has the pewter cap. The barrel is equipped with non-factory blade and buckhorn sights. The rifle also has a period custom shaped lever, trimmed and filed hammer, and double set triggers. Note that the Lane extractor tooth is visible from the bottom of the action, and the receiver was never cut for a saddle ring bar indicating this is not a repurposed carbine action. The buttstock has a sling ring on the bottom and "HA" hand carved on the left.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 56-46

Price Realized:

Rare Engraved Serial Number 10 Marston Breech Loading Percussion Rifle

Lot 237

Marston W W & Co None Rifle 31 percussion

This is one of less than 300 breech loading percussion long guns manufactured by W.W. Marston of New York City, circa mid-1850s. The rifle is equipped with blade and notch sights. The frame and hammer have a factory scroll engraving and the left side of the frame is stamped with the one line 1850 patent date. The action has double set triggers. The ramrod pipes are numbered to the gun. Mounted with a checkered straight grip stock with cheekpiece and correctly without provisions for a forearm.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31 percussion

Price Realized:

Exhibition Quality Relief Carved, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid F. V. Dreyse Bolt Action Sporting Rifle

Lot 239

Carved, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid F. V. Dreyse Bolt Action Rifle

These Dreyse sporting rifles are descended from the earliest bolt action rifles designed by Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse (1787-1867) around 1836 and are among the first modern bolt action sporting rifles. This very fine example has beautiful floral and scroll engraving with gold and silver inlaid accents including "F. V. DREYSE SOMMERDA" on top of the barrel and "PATENT" on the receiver ring in gold. The former indicates it was manufactured under Franz von Dreyse (1822 -1894), the son of the needle gun inventor. The barrel also has a blade front sight and adjustable notch rear sight, and the rifle is equipped with double set triggers. The matching serial number is on the left side of the barrel and on the underside of the bolt handle, and the barrel, receiver, and bolt all have "crown/V" proofmarks. The stock has a horn forend cap, sling swivels, leafy scroll carving intermixed with animal designs accented with glass eyes, a horn grip extension with scroll pattern at the tail end, cheek rest, and an engraved steel shotgun style buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 11 mm

Price Realized:

Two German Bolt Action Target Rifles with Vogel Scheutzen Target Display Stand -A) Franz Kettner Single Shot Rifle with Accessories

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 240

Two German Bolt Action Target Rifles Vogel Scheutzen

This lot consists of two massive German bolt action target rifles with a hand carved Vogel eagle efigy target on a wooden display with stands for both rifles. The bird is a scale representation of a Vogal target shown in the included book. This rifle gauges at .67 caliber (16 ga 2 1/2 case). The top barrel flat is marked "FRANZ KETTNER KOLN-SUHL" behind the rear sight. The left barrel flat ahead of the rear sight is marked "2483 KAL. 16." It is fitted with double set triggers, a ramp front sight with blade and an adjustable notch rear sight. The bolt is marked with the serial number and "Crown/B/U" proofs. Sling swivels are attached to the underside of the barrel and buttstock. The rifle weighs 29 pounds. The half stock features a plain forearm with single barrel wedge, multi-point checkering on the wrist, thumb groove and steel buttplate. Also included are two 16 gauge dummy rounds, display plaques for both rifles, and a copy of the book "Old German Target Arms: Alte Scheibenwaffen, Vol. 1" by Thompson, Dillon, Hallock and Loos. The history includes in depth explanations of these special rifles; and the sport that endured from the time of the crossbow.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 67

Price Realized:

Lot 241

Rare Documented Sebastian Fischer Engraved Percussion Schuetzen

This is a rare early percussion rifle as featured on pages 66-67 of "The American Percussion Schuetzen Rifle" by Hamilton and Rowe. It is fitted with a heavy octagonal target barrel with 15/16 inch round front section made for a false muzzle, (rifle also includes an unfinished brass bullet starter). The top barrel flat is engraved: "SEB: FISCHER NEW YORK". It is fitted with the original fine scroll engraved lock plate that is fitted with a scroll engraved, "dolphin head" hammer. The lock plate is also engraved "SEB: FISCHER NEW YORK". The rifle has an adjustable tang mounted target rear peep sight; a large windage adjustable rear sight and a small blade front sight (both of the later are on the barrel). The tang, the lock plate, hammer and three finger silver sculptured trigger guard all feature, matching fine scroll engraving. It is fitted with a one-piece walnut half-stock that has hand-cut checkering in the grip area and a hand carved "wolfs head" forend tip. The wolf's head is fitted with glass eyes. The stock has a Germanic/Swiss small style cheekpiece with a two-prong Schuetzen style German Silver buttplate and a matching 3-finger Schuetzen trigger guard. The rifle is fitted with double set triggers, a single barrel wedge.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 percussion

Price Realized:

Lot 243

Impressive Engraved and Relief Carved Buchel Meister Schuetzen

The nitro proofed barrel is marked "W. EBLEN" and "STUTTGART." The rifle is equipped with a shrouded pin front sight mounted on a casehardened ramp base, the top barrel flat is matted, and there is a provision for a tang sight (not provided). The action has double set triggers and a checkered hard rubber spur insert embossed "DRGM BUCHEL". The top of the receiver behind the breechblock is marked "BUCHEL/ORIGINAL/MEISTER." The breechblock has a dot and line border, cross hatching on the top and "Crown/B/U" proofs on the right side. Additional engraved cross hatching is found on the receiver ring and breech block. The receiver has a near full coverage semi-relief oak leaf engraved pattern on a matte background which surrounds socializing schutzen scenes on the sides. The oak leaf pattern is extended to the trigger guard and buttplate. Sling swivels are attached to the underside of the barrel and buttstock. The barrel is blue and the remaining surfaces are casehardened. The nicely figured wood features checkering and high relief carved floral patterns with the additions of a carved dog head with glass eyes for a forearm tip and carved schutzen woodland scene on the left side of the buttstock. The engraving and wood carving display the skill sets of master artisans. The buttstock is fitted with a hooked buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 8.15 mmx46 R

Price Realized:

Engraved Wanzl Trapdoor Schuetzen Rifle by A. Legler of Neustadtl

Lot 244

Engraved Trapdoor Schuetzen Rifle by A. Legler of Neustadtl

This 1867-1880s rifle has beautiful Germanic leaf engraving on most of the components and a plain barrel other than the bands near the breech. The lock has "A. LEGLER IN NEUSTADTL" in a banner at the front. The rifle is equipped with a winged post front sight, adjustable leaf rear sight, slot for a tang peep sight, double set triggers, and a one-piece checkered stock with modified German style cheekpiece.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 9.5x47 R

Price Realized:

Lot 246

German Martini Style Pachmayr Takedown System Schuetzen Rifle

The installed lightweight 31 inch barrel has a textured rib with "K WERTGARNER ENNS" on top, engraving accents at the breech, blade front sight on a high base, and "BOHLER STAHL" stamped on the bottom. The separate medium weight 33 3/4 inch barrel is marked "BOHLER BLITZ STAHL" and "G. SAMITZ LINZ" on the upper side flats, has the caliber on the bottom (8.15x46R), and a ramped and dovetailed front sight base. The receiver has a diamond and stippling pattern on the ring, a peep sight at the rear in a "270" numbered base with "1239" marked eye piece, and double set triggers. The rifle is mounted with a smooth Schnabel tip forearm and a Tyrolean style buttstock with checkering, a thumb rest, and a very rare adjustable single hook buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 8.15 mmx46 R

Price Realized:

Lot 247

Engraved Aydt (Reform Type II) Schuetzen Rifle

This fine target rifle was manufactured in August 1925 and has beautiful German floral/leaf engraving on the action and lever along with a Schutzenliesl with five mugs of beer in each hand dancing on a keg on the right side and a shooter enjoying drink on the left side. The top of the action has "SYSTEM-AYDT" in inlay. The barrel has a winged and ramped front sight base with a post front sight, standard proofmarks, a textured top flat, and a quarter rib for rear sight or scope mounting. The upper tang has an integral base for a peep sight. It also features an action takedown lever on the left side of the action, double set triggers, Schnabel style forearm with checkering on the bottom flat at the action, and a Tyrolean style buttstock with attractive border accents on the checkering, a thumb rest, and a Swiss buttplate with a right hand angled lower hook.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 8.15 mmx46 R

Price Realized:

Lot 248

Buchel Meister Single Shot Schuetzen Rifle

Full octagon barrel with ramp front sight bead absent and a smooth top flat with an integral quarter rib. Sling swivel on the bottom flat and the bottom flat under the forearm is marked with an "FS" in an oval, "B1.G./11 gr.", crown "B"."U" and "G", "7.6 m/m/46/5.25/222/Sch", "6" "WITTEN" and "SI". The inside of the forearm is stamped "3486". The upper right side of the action is marked with crown over "N", "B" and "U" proofs and directly behind the breechblock is marked "BUCHEL/ORIGINAL/MEISTER". Standard late model (1925) casehardened Meister action, tang sight absent, removable double set trigger tang assembly. The front (firing trigger) has the traditional re-curve. Checkered horn insert in the operating lever marked "D.R.G.M./BUCHEL", with the optional latch assembly. Mounted with a smooth forearm, secured by a single wedge and checkered Tyrolean style stock with thumb rest, iron single prong buttplate and sling swivel. Missing the sling swivel. Schnabel style forearm with wedge key.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 8.15 mmx46 R

Price Realized:

Lot 249

Inscribed German Zimmerstutzen Rifle by C. Leberecht of Amberg

These rifles used in shooting parlors in the late 1800s and early 1900s and are designed like the longer range Schuetzen rifles. The top of the barrel has the maker's mark, the upper right flat has "Ehrengabe gestiftet von der Eisenverk=Gesellschaft,/Maximilianshutte Rosenberg", and the upper right flat has "Zum 30 jahigen Jubilaums = Sohiefsen/der Zimmerstutzen =Schutzen = Gesellsch. Rosenberg." The inscription indicates a presentation by a steel company to celebrate the thirty year anniversary of the Zimmerstutzen shooters association in Rosenberg. The rifle has adjustable target sights (rear sight key included), double set triggers, and a Tyrolean style stock with hooked buttplate, checkering, and thumb rest with a 4 mm cartridge loading spoon.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 4 mm

Price Realized:

Lot 250

Engraved Leo & Fahner Suhl Marked Schuetzen Rifle

It features a removable post front sight in a winged and ramped base, flanged rear section for fitting a rear sight, "LEO & FAHNER, SUHL" inscribed on the top of the barrel, two inlaid bands at the breech, "EW" and 112/28 along with some proofmarks on the bottom of the barrel, "crown/B" and "crown/U" proofmarks on the right side of the receiver at the breech, matching serial numbers on several components, an adjustable combination peep and notch sight in the integral base on the upper tang, floral scroll and geometric engraving and matching floral carving, double set triggers, and sling swivels on the bottom of the barrel and the Tyrolean style buttstock which has checkering, a thumb rest, and a single hook buttplate. The bottom of the forearm has a nickel shield inscribed "KRH" at an angle. The left side of the receiver has a woman with short hair in a fancy gown carrying a platter with an ornate trophy goblet, and the right side has a shooter in traditional attire armed with a Martini style Schuetzen rifle and holding a victor's laurel in his right hand with "I/P" stamped in the middle.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 8.15 mmx46 R

Price Realized:

Lot 251

Engraved Wilh. Fleischmann Marked Marrkolbe Schuetzen Rifle

Features: an empty front sight base, textured top flat with flared section for rear sight mounting, "WILH. FLEISCHMANN" on the upper right barrel flat, "NEUNDORF B./SUHL" on the upper left flat, eagle and "crown/B" proofmarks, smooth forearm, the serial number on the barrel and the hooked buttplate, floral and cherub scene engraving, "D.R.G.M." on top of the takedown style receiver, "SYSTEM-MARRKOLBE/D.R.G.M." on the left side of the breechblock, a replacement modern made peep sight, double set triggers, and a Tyrolean style buttstock with thumb rest and checkering.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 8.15 mmx46 R

Price Realized:

Hans Lechner Game Scene Engraved Martini Style Action Schuetzen Rifle with Relief Carved Wood

Lot 252

Hans Lechner Engraved and Carved Martini Schuetzen Rifle

Features: Krupp fluid steel barrel, removable post front sight on a winged and ramped base, textured top flat with flared section for rear sight mounting, peep sight in integral base on the receiver, forearm with carved hound head at the front with yellow glass eyes as well as floral carving and checkering, matching serial numbers on the barrel and action, German proofs, multiple "EJ" and circular "SCHMIEDEISEN" (wrought iron) stamps, double set triggers, "HANS LECHNER/NURNBERG" inlaid on the back of the receiver, Germanic floral throughout, game scenes on the sides and bottom of the receiver with deer and elk, and a Tyrolean buttstock with checkering, thumbrest, and Swiss buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 8.15 mmx46 R

Price Realized:

Lot 253

Haenel Original Aydt Schuetzen Rifle

Features modern globe and diopter peep sights, German proofmarks, C. G. Haenel markings on the barrel and action, smooth Schnabel forearm, double set triggers and extended trigger guard/lever, and a massive Tyrolean style buttstock with checkering, thumb rest, and single hook buttplate. Matching numbers are found on the forearm, barrel, action, and buttstock.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 8.15 mmx46 R

Price Realized:

Lot 254

Panel Scene Engraved Original System Aydt Schuetzen Rifle

Features an empty front sight ram and flared section for rear sight mounting, combination notch and peep sight with large diopter disk, double set triggers, a smooth Schnabel forearm, "ORIGINAL-SYSTEM-AYDT" inlaid in gold on the top of the action, "ORIGINAL/SYST-AYDT/3656" on the left side of the breechblock, Germanic floral scroll engraving, a cherub on the right side of the action, a checkered Tyrolean buttstock with thumb rest and single hook buttplate, and sling swivels on the bottom of the barrel and stock.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 8.15 mmx46 R

Price Realized:

Lot 255

Haenel Original Aydt Single Shot Schuetzen Rifle

Medium weight target barrel with a ramp front sight with a pin head bead. Integral quarter rib for rear sight. Marked "C.G. Haenel. Suhl", Bohlerstahl," "8.15x46 norm". Standard casehardened Aydt action marked "Haenel-Original-Aydt". The breechblock is marked "Haenel original Aydt 26255". Aydt style tang sight, detachable double set trigger assembly, three finger spur lever. Tyrolean style checkered straight grip stock with thumb rest on the right side, cast iron buttplate, sling swivel. Schnabel style forend.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 8.15X46R

Price Realized:

Lot 256

Engraved Original System Aydt Schuetzen Rifle

The action is engraved with traditional Germanic leaf patterns surrounding a marksman in traditional attire with a sword, rifle, and target on the right side and a seen of a soldier with rifle, cuirass, and helmet on the left side. The trigger guard has the face of a "green man" or "wild man" from European folklore among the leaf patterns. The breechblock is marked "D.R.G.M./No.=270175" on the left, and the barrel is numbered "17001" and has "F.&A. PRUTSCHER" inlaid on the upper right flat and "KEMPTEN" on the upper left flat. "Eagle" and "crown/B" proofs are on the right side of the action and breechblock. It is equipped with a blade front sight on a textured ramp, a removable and adjustable leaf rear sight on the textured quarter rib, an integral peep sight base on the upper tang, double set triggers, a checkered Schnabel tip forearm, and Tyrolean buttstock with multi-point checkering, a single hook buttplate, and a thumb rest. A Weaver sight base is included, and the upper action flat has been tapped for mounting it.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 8.15mm x 46R

Price Realized:

Lot 257

Original Aydt Schuetzen Rifle

This pre-war target rifle has "ORIGINAL AYDT" on top of the action, "J/G/A" in an oval on the upper left side of the action at the breech, a blade front sight in a ramped base, flared section for mounting a rear sight, typical proof and bore markings, matching serial numbers on multiple components, checkering and a "JG" monogram on the bottom of the forearm, integral base for a rear peep sight, double set triggers, and a checkered Tyrolean style buttstock with single hook buttplate, carved borders, and thumb rest.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 8.15mm x 46R

Price Realized:

Lot 259

C. G. Haenel Original System Aydt Schuetzen Rifle

This pre-WWII target rifle has "HAENEL ORIGINAL AYDT." in gold inlay on top of the action and "JOAO MATUSCHECK PORTO ALEGRE" marked on top of the barrel at the breech. Porto Alegre is known to have had a significant German immigrant population starting in 1824. The other markings are standard. The rifle has a winged and ramped post front sight, removable and adjustable leaf, German style rear sight, integral base for a rear peep sight, double set triggers, smooth Schnabel style forearm, and a checkered German style buttstock with single hook buttplate and cheekpiece.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm

Price Realized:

Lot 261

German Haenel Aydt Single Shot Schuetzen Rifle

Full octagon barrel marked "C.G. Haenel", 8.15 x46 Nor. Cal. And B.U.G. proofs on the bottom. Made in August 1926. Ramp front sight with pin head bead. Standard Aydt action with external extractor, 3 finger spur lever, detachable double set trigger assembly, correct Aydt style tang sight. Top receiver flat marked "Haenel Original Aydt". Checkered straight grip stock with German style cheekpiece, cast iron schuetzen buttplate. Sling swivels on barrel and buttstock. Schnabel forend with key-wedge attachment.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 8.15mm x 46R

Price Realized:

Lot 262

Engraved Aydt Single Shot Schuetzen Rifle

No maker's marks are visible. Fitted with a protected ramp wire bead front sight, a quarter rib on the top of the barrel, and a standard Aydt tang sight on the upper tang. The frame is engraved with punch dot backed floral designs on each side, dotted checkerboards on the upper flat, a serpent designs among the floral engraving on the right, and "crown/ B" and "crown/ U" proofs on the frame and block. Aydt-style action, with finger rest action lever and double set triggers. Smooth forearm and checkered straight wrist stock with carved scroll designs, heavy raised Tyrolean style cheekpiece and a steel butt. Notes from the consignor state that this rifle was captured by his father, a soldier with the 78th Infantry Division, between 7-10 March 1945, during the unit's push to the Rhine River.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 8.15 mmx46 R

Price Realized:

Lot 263

Antique Martini Style Schuetzen Takedown Rifle

This rifle features adjustable post front sights on a winged and ramped base, dovetail quarter rib for rear sight or scope mounting with four tapped holes. A "crown/V" and "4056" on the upper side barrel flats, a Liege oval "E/LG/*" proofmark (pre-1893), "IK" and "K" stamps, and "48" on the underside of the barrel; "4056" marked Schnabel forearm, "056" marked wedge, takedown lever, action face, and buttplate; additional "MB" on the action face, taps on the bottom of the action, factory cut action for rear cleaning, "73" marked peep sight, double set triggers. Has the Stahl system takedown. A smooth buttstock with a Swiss style cheekpiece, and a single hook Swiss buttplate. The cleaning rod is absent.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 8.15 mmx46 R

Price Realized:

Engraved and Carved German Von Schatzl Martini Style Schuetzen Rifle

Lot 264

Engraved and Carved German Von Schatzl Martini Schuetzen Rifle

The lack of proof/bore markings on the bottom of the barrel and lack of proofs indicates the rifle was manufactured before 1891. The barrel has no visible markings and is equipped with a modern Redfield globe front sight and a removable and adjustable leaf, German style rear sight. The receiver has leaf and floral engraving, stags on the sides, a base for a peep sight, and double set triggers. The forend is checkered and has a carved dog with glass eyes on the tip and shell patterns at the rear. The buttstock has a hooked buttplate, checkering with floral borders, and a fairly large Swiss style cheekpiece. The consignor's notes indicate it is pictured in "Old German Target Arms." (Alte Scheibenwaffen) by Tom Rowe.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 9.5x47 R

Price Realized:

Lot 265

Rare Unmarked Percussion Schuetzen Rifle

No maker's marks or proofmarks are visible. The barrel has dovetail slots for sight mounting. The crown is heavily recessed and allows use with the included modern brass false muzzle. As is occasionally seen on target rifles and pistols, the hammer falls towards the shooter. It also has double set triggers and an extended three finger trigger guard. The stock has a patch of checkering on the underside of the forend, basket weave checkering on the thumb rest, a large cheekpiece, and a Swiss buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38

Price Realized:

Lot 301

Swinburn & Son 1861 Dated Jacob's Double Barrel Percussion Rifle

Manufactured by Swinburn & Son in 1861, this double barrel percussion rifle was invented by General John Jacob and comes with one of the rarest British bayonets. An officer of the British East India Company, Jacob commanded a cavalry regiment called the 36th Jacob's Horse and founded the town Jacobabad in 1847 (now a city in Pakistan). The rifle he invented fired an explosive shell designed to explode ammunition carts at long distances. The rifle is sighted to 2,000 yards. The explosive loads that the rifle once fired were marketed for use against large thick skinned game (i.e., rhinos and elephants) and references to the gun being used in the American Civil War have been made. In fact, the American surplus dealer Francis Bannerman listed these rifles as elephant rifles. The lock plates are marked "SWINBURN & SON/PATENT/1861" and the iron patch box located on the right side of the buttstock is marked "JACOB'S RIFLES." The patch box marking referred to a proposed regiment called Jacob's Rifles that Jacob intended to raise. It was proposed that 900 of the 1,000 men of the regiment would carry the rifle that bore the commander's name. However, Jacob died before the contract was finished. Although Swinburn & Son finished the contract after Jacob's death, the rifles were released to the civilian market. As stated, the rifle has a ladder rear sight graduated to 2,000 yards. Behind the ladder sight is a three leaf express sight graduated 1 through 3. The front sight is a beaded blade. Mounted on a smooth straight grip half-stock with a flat iron buttplate. The side of the right barrel has a bayonet lug marked "S&S/B/370." With the rifle is an impressive sword bayonet that has a 30 1/4 inch blade, checkered handle and basket hilt. These bayonets are even rarer than the rifle and measure nearly as long as the rifle. The scabbard is modern. The rifle carries an iron ramrod and has two sling swivels holding a canvas sling and a single proofmarked barrel band marked "PATENT." Included with this unique rifle is a second iron ramrod (modern), patches, .52 caliber ball bullet mold, bullet mold with two interchangeable conical bullet molds and two Brazil 40 reis coins.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 52

Extraordinary Steve Lodding Documentary Recreation of the Famous Historic Mariano Medina Hawkens Percussion Plains Rifle

Lot 322

Recreation of the Mariano Medina Hawken Rifle by Steve Lodding

This rifle is a modern recreation of the famous original Samuel Hawken rifle owned by Mariano Medina (1812-1878, also spelled Modina), easily one of the best of all original Hawken rifles. It was built by master artisan Steve Lodding of the Contemporary Longrifle Association around 2010 after studying and photographing the original rifle which is currently in Jim Gordon's private museum in Glorieta, New Mexico, not far south of Medina's birthplace. Lodding is known for incredibly detailed work in firearms and other frontier items. It was carefully handcrafted using a straight Green Mountain barrel, original antique lock, hand-shaped iron parts, and smooth walnut stock and then artfully aged. It closely matches the details shown in the chapter "Mariano Modena's Rifle" in John D. Baird's "Hawken Rifles: The Mountain Man's Choice." Note how the markings, pins, and designs compare to those shown in the pictures on pages 30-33. The rifle has dovetailed blade and notch sights, "S. HAWKEN ST LOUIS" running towards the muzzle on the top flat behind the rear sight at slight angles, a correct "A. MEIER & CO/ST LOUIS" marked lock, double set triggers, hand shaped iron parts including the distinctive long wear plate correctly secured by 14 pins, attractive traditional style patch box with double pierced side plate engraved by Master Engraver Aaron “Duke” Pursley of the Firearms Engravers Guild of America (FEGA), nine inlaid stars, and an oval cheekpiece inlay inscribed by Pursley with "PURCHASED ST LOUIS/1833/Mariano Modina/TO/Gen A. H. Jones/BIG THOMPSON COLO./1878." Medina was born in Taos of mixed heritage and was a contemporary and associate of Jim Bridger, Kit Carson, the Bents and many of the other famous mountain men during the height of the Rocky Mountain fur trade and also served as a guide/scout for expeditions by John C. Fremont and others. He was the first settler on Big Thompson Creek in 1858 near present day Loveland, Colorado, and established a well-known trading post there. Shortly before his death in 1878, he gave the rifle to General A. H. Jones with the instruction to "Keep her clean, General!" Jones was a captain in the Governor's Guards and then the Inspector General of the Colorado Militia. He became a prominent businessman and was one of the founders of the Denver Club.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 58

Price Realized:

Lot 323

Heavy Barrel Henry Leman Percussion Half Stock Plains Rifle

Henry Leman was one of the most prolific American rifle makers. Leman completed his apprenticeship under Melchoir Fordney in 1831 and then worked for George Tyron before establishing his own shop in 1834. His shop manufactured large numbers of plain but high quality rifles and shotguns for the western trade for sale to settlers, fur traders, and Indians. His work bridged the gap between the ornate handmade rifles of the old master gunsmiths in the 18th century and early 19th century and the mass produced firearms that followed. Relatively few of his shop's firearms would have been heavy barrel rifles like this. The barrel is marked "LEMAN LANCASTER PA" and " WARRANTED" on top between the rear sight and the banded breech plug, and the lock has partially legible Leman markings. Other features including traditional blade and notch sights, a pewter forend cap, and double set triggers.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 57

Price Realized:

Scarce H.E. Dimick Marked Percussion Rifle

Lot 325

Dimick H E Percussion Rifle Rifle 45 percussion

This rifle was manufactured by Horace E. Dimick's firm in St. Louis, Missouri. He competed in sharpshooting contests to publicize the firearms produced by himself and his employees. At one antebellum contest held in St. Louis, H.E. Dimick and Company finished first in every event they competed in. Dimick furnished 150 rifles of his design and a variety of those made by many other western gunsmiths to what became 66th Illinois Volunteer Infantry under Col. J.W. Birge during the Civil War. The unit was known as Birge's Western Sharpshooters and was composed of men from many states. General Fremont reportedly required all recruits for this unit to "fire a three-shot group, not exceeding three inches, at 200 yards with open sights." A member of the unit said his "gun carries 1/2 oz. balls and will carry 400 yards with level sites [sic]." This rifle has blade front and notch rear sights. "E. DIMICK ST. LOUIS" is marked behind the replaced rear sight and "HITCHCOCK & MUZZY" is marked on the bottom at the breech along with star stamps and a "1". The latter firm produced high quality barrels for multiple rifle makers. It is equipped with double set triggers and mounted on a straight wrist walnut half-stock with German silver cap and escutcheons and a steel buttplate and patch box . The lock plate and breech have light scrollwork designs. A striped wooden ramrod is included.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 percussion

Price Realized:

John Mewhirter Signed Engraved, Silver Inlaid, and Incised Carved Golden Age American Long Rifle

Lot 328

John Mewhirter Golden Age Kentucky Rifle

The barrel has traditional low profile blade and notch sights and is signed "J Mewhirter" between the rear sight and breech. The muzzle has circle designs around the border. The lock has a bird scene on the tail, and the rifle is equipped with double set triggers. The stock has incised molding and curl patterns on the forend along with a pair of "hurricane" silver inlays, crosshatch checkering and a silver oval thumb plate inscribed "TH" on the wrist, small silver oval inlay on the bottom ahead of the lightly engraved and double pierced toe plate, a an silver oval plate inscribed with a patriotic eagle motif on the cheekpiece, and raised relief and incised scrollwork and checkering patterns behind the cheekpiece. The side plate and patch box are finely engraved. John Mewhirter was active in Shippensburg Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, in the early 19th century until at least 1828. Joe Kindig Jr. believes he had some association with John Armstrong, Abraham Schweitzer, and J. Clark. Some sources also list a William Mewhirter active in the same period and place. Henry J. Kauffman in "The Pennsylvania-Kentucky Rifle" includes Mewhirter as part of the Franklin County School because of the stylistic similarities. The Mewhirter rifle pictured on page 495 of Kindig's book, "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age" has very similar engraving and the same style of patch box finial. Also note that the J. Clark rifle pictured on page 497 has a nearly identical patch box design other than the engraving further supporting Kindig's belief that the two men had some association. The silver inlays on the forend of all three of these rifles are the same style. The plainer stock flats and slightly less carving suggests this is a somewhat later rifle.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45

Price Realized:

Lot 333

Hawken Style Percussion Mountain Rifle

The only visible markings are "HENRY PARKER/WARRANTED" and some game scene patterns on the antique lock. It also has a German silver blade front sight, a full buckhorn rear sight with fancy base, double set triggers, and iron furniture. The stock has an "A" on the left flat and a dot pattern cross on the left side of the butt.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50 percussion

Lot 334

Slotter & Co. Half Stock Back Action Percussion Plains Rifle

Slotter & Co. of Philadelphia manufactured rifles as well as their copies of Henry Deringer's famous pistols for A.J. Plate of San Francisco from 1860 to 1871. Plate immigrated from Germany in 1835. He established his business in San Francisco in 1850; it quickly grew from simple sales booth to a large shop by 1855 and became one of the most important western gun dealers. "SLOTTER & Co. PHILA" is marked on the back action lock plate, and the top of the barrel is marked "SLOTTER" at an angle, "MADE FOR" parallel to the bore, and "& Co. PHILA" over "AJ Plate/SAN FRANCISCO." The upper left flat at the breech is marked "GAIN TWIST/WART/620," and the underside of the barrel is marked "REMINGTON" and "23." The barrel has dovetailed blade and notch sights. Several other components are also marked "23." The rifle also features double set triggers, trigger guard with a grip extension, a cap box marked "SLOTTER/& CO./PHILA" on the inside of the door in large letters, and a straight wrist stock with brass forend cap, single wedge, cheekpiece, and brass butt and toe plates.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 48

Price Realized:

Desirable B. Bahn & Bro. Cape Girardeau Missouri Half Stock Percussion Rifle

Lot 337

B. Bahn & Bro. Missouri Half Stock Percussion Rifle

The barrel is marked "B BAHN & BRO CAPE GIRARDEAU MO" on top and is fitted with blade and notch sights. The lock is marked "LEMAN/LANCTR.PA" at the front and has standard Leman scrollwork. It also features a pewter forend cap, double set triggers, and a checkered perch belly stock. The Bahn Brothers, Bernard and George W. Bahn, established a hardware store in 1860 and also manufactured rifles early on.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 42

Price Realized:

Lot 338

'J P' Signed Percussion Pennsylvania Long Rifle

This rifle is signed "J P" on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and breech. The general style of the rifle combined with the signature suggests it is possibly the work of John Parks Sr. in Snyder/Union County, Pennsylvania. Very similar signatures are known on other Parks attributed rifles, and his son used the same but with "Jr" added on some of his rifles. The rifle has standard low profile blade and notch sights, double set triggers, a series of eight silver inlays in the shape of folk art style fish that serve as the wedge shields, a brass wear plate between the entry pipe and trigger guard finial, reinforcing plates by the trigger, unmarked lock with border and scroll designs, a "Y" shaped iron inlay at the barrel tang, tear drop and heart inlay points at the wrist, a plain silver thumb plate, heart and ovoid shaped silver inlays between the trigger guard and toe plate, an engraved silver patriotic eagle inlay on the cheekpiece, fancy brass patch box with flourish of Rococo scrollwork on the door, and relief Rococo carving on the wrist and left side of the Roman nose profile butt.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50 percussion

Price Realized:

Attractive Conrad Horn Attributed Engraved Percussion Swivel Breech Double Rifle

Lot 339

Conrad Horn Engraved Percussion Swivel Breech Rifle

Conrad Horn (1803-1879) worked as a gunsmith until his death and was particularly known for his double rifles. He was also a justice, miner, early settler of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and the founder of West Hazleton. He was suspected of supplying draft resisting miners during the Civil War because he was a known Democrat and many of the men were armed with rifles he built. It makes sense they had his rifles given he was a prominent local gunsmith. This rifle matches multiple aspects of other known rifles. The style of stock architecture, accents, and the "C H" signature on top of one of the barrels are all emblematic of his work, and the double tear drops on the wrist match a "C HORN" marked rifle we auctioned off in December 2015. This example retains much of the style of traditional "Golden Age" American long rifles and likely dates to around the 1840s. It has low profile blade and notch sights on the barrels, ramrods fitted on each side in three pipes (counting the entry pipes), an "H. ELWELL/WARRANTED" back action lock with scroll and bird scene engraving, double set triggers, scroll engraved brass side plate, seven German silver accents including an engraved crescent moon on the cheekpiece, ornate brass plate beneath the cheek plate with piercings that mirror the four tear drops on the wrist, engraved patch box with pieced side plates and finial, a folk art face on the finial, full length toe and comb plates, and a highly figured curly maple buttstock with Roman nose profile. Pulling backwards on the trigger guard with the hammer at half-cock allows the barrels to rotate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 48

Price Realized:

Lot 340

Heavy Barrel Half Stock Percussion Target Rifle

This mid to late 19th century rifle has an imported Partridge marked lock with scrollwork and hunting scene patterns secured by a screw into the breech plate rather than one or two cross screws. The rifle has no other visible markings, but was likely manufactured in the Northeast or Upper Midwest based on its overall style. It is equipped with a 36 1/2 inch long scope with "turret style" elevation adjustment wheel at the upper tang, adjustable double set triggers, German silver fittings, a false muzzle, and smooth walnut half stock with small cap box and a cheekpiece with a hunter's star inlay. It was never cut for iron sights.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 percussion

Price Realized:

Lot 344

James Bown & Sons, Pittsburg Marked Percussion Rifle

This small bore rifle is marked "JAMES BOWN & SONS/PITTSBURG PA" on the upper left barrel flat and "JAMES BOWN" on the upper flat at the breech. James Bown (1823-1901) operated a prolific gun shop in Pittsburg from around 1848 until the end of the 19th century and was noted as ". . .one of the best known cutlery men of the state and famous for the manufacture of the Kentucky squirrel rifle. . ." in his obituary in 1901. He established the Enterprise Gun Works which was known to churn out thousands of rifles in a given year. The rifle has traditional blade and notch sights, double set triggers, "C. M. K." hand marked on the lock (likely an owner's initials), and scroll engraving and incised carving.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 percussion

Price Realized:

Lot 345

Percussion American Long Rifle

This rifle utilizes a heavy barrel more commonly used on the Great Plains and American West. The lock has "TRUITT BROTHERS & CO." marked at the bottom and some basic scrollwork. Truitt Brothers & Co. operated as importers and hardware merchants from 1847-61 in Philadelphia and then became Truitt & Co. The rifle also features blade and notch sights, 15 German silver inlays, an ornate patch box, shallow cheekpiece, and double set triggers.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 48

Price Realized:

Lot 347

Percussion American Long Rifle

This relatively plain rifle has a game scene lock with unclear maker's name over "Warranted," no signature on the barrel, traditional blade and notch sights, odd patch box without side plates, double set triggers, and relatively plain stock with nice flame figure throughout.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 Percussion

Lot 348

William Shreckengost Signed Pennsylvania Half Stock Percussion

William G. Shreckengost (1818-1894) of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, was active from the late 1830s until the 1880s. He is definitely one of those Pennsylvania gunmakers that had his own style. The family's gunmaking tradition dates at least to his grandfather, a veteran of the American Revolution. The engraving around the bone blade front sight, around the "W Shreckengost" signature behind the notch rear sight (he often put his customer's name instead), and on the patent breech section matches the style seen on other known Shreckengost rifles as does the general design and the fancy side plate. One less common attribute is the lack of one of Shreckengost's distinctive patch boxes. The rifle has a solid rib with three ramrod ferrules, a two piece forend cap (likely a later replacement for a pewter cap), double set triggers, unmarked lock, and an attractively flame figured maple stock with checkered wrist, small cheekpiece, and a distinctive slender butt. The long, engraved upper tang helps stabilize the slender wrist.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31 percussion

Price Realized:

A. Gompf Lancaster Marked Percussion Long Rifle

Lot 349

A. Gompf Lancaster Percussion Long Rifle

There were two Andrew Gumpfs (Gompf) active in Lancaster. The first was the father of the second and was active circa 1820-1850. His son Andrew Jackson Gumpf was active starting in the late 1850s and may have even still built some rifles shortly before he died in 1907. The Gumpf family was active in the Lancaster region from late 18th century until the end of the 19th century. Given the 1860s-1870s style "JAS GOLCHER" lock, this rifle was built by the younger Gumpf. It has traditional blade and notch sights, "A GOMPF/LANCASTER" on the top of the barrel, line engraving patterns throughout, double set triggers, scroll and bird patterns on the lock, attractive engraving on the patch box, and a smooth walnut stock with intersecting checkering at the wrist.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 Percussion

Price Realized:

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