Lot 3193: Jerry Scales Contemporary Flintlock Fowling Piece

This beautiful smoothbore was built by gunmaker Jerry Scales of Nashville, Indiana. It is signed "Scales" in script on the lock and "JERRY SCALES" in bold font on top of the barrel. While the engraving is not signed, it is almost certainly the work of Master Engraver John C. Schippers and includes finely detailed scroll and floral patterns on the breech end of the barrel and the upper tang as well as the trigger guard which also has an acorn finial, the ramrod entry pipe, the side plate, and the buttplate. The latter also has a very detailed motif with early U.S. and Union Jack flags, drums, and arms along with "XVI" at the top that is somewhat similar to the design on the cover of his book, "Engraving Historic Firearms," and the other motifs, or variations of them, can be found on other known Schippers engraved rifles. The trigger plate is even engraved. The gun also features a silver blade front sight, diamond checkering with cross accents on the wrist, and beautiful figure on the butt. The barrel appears to have been browned and then rubbed back to give it a subtle antique finish.

Very fine overall as custom made with lightly antique finish on the lock and barrel, aged patina on the furniture, some minor handling and storage marks on the metal and wood, and crisp markings, checkering, and engraving. Mechanically excellent.