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LOT 126
Scarce George Eister Attributed Engraved and Relief
Carved Golden Age Flintlock Smoothbore American Long Rifle
- NSN, 52 cal., 45 inch octagon bbl., unknown finish, maple stock. Like a lot of George Eister’s guns, this “smooth rifle” is not signed, but it is
similar to others signed by or attributed to George Eister (1741-1810) of York County, Pennsylvania, including the examples pictured in “Thoughts
on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age” by Kindig on pages 296-303. The unsigned
“smooth rifle” on 303 is especially similar. For example, note the trigger. Among the characteristics consistent with his work is
the large number of screws holding the patch box finial and side plates in place. The shape and design of these components is also consistent with his other work. Similarly, the engraved toe plate secured by six screws and holding the elongated patch box release
is also consistent with his work. For a very similar toe plate on an Eister, see page 296 of Kindig’s book. As is so often the case, it is not
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clear if this gun was built as a rifle and later rebored smooth or if it was always a “smooth rifle.” Given their prevalence and the fact that many of these “smooth rifles’ have single triggers while double set triggers are common on the true rifles, it seems likely that many were built as smoothbores. The barrel has rifle style blade and notch sights and has an accent line on the barrel ahead of and behind the rear sight. The lock has some light border
designs. The furniture is all brass with the sole exception of the silver wrist escutcheon which is inscribed with what appears to be the initials “FS.” The side plate, patch box, and toe plate all have primarily floral scroll engraving along with some crosshatch panels. The patch box has two
piercings on the finial and each side plate. The full-length stock has molding along the forend and butt, nicely shaped rounded flats with tear drop tails, and elaborate floral scroll raised relief carved designs with crosshatched accents that coordinate very nicely with the engraving at
the ramrod entry pipe, barrel tang, and the sides of the butt, especially the left side of the butt under and behind the cheek rest. CONDITION: Good as restored, including reconversion to flintlock configuration and slight shortening. The barrel has a textured dark brown patina on the barrel, smoother brown on the tang, filler blocks in the original barrel key dovetails, and mild erosion at the breech. The lock
has a weak replacement mainspring but works and has brown patina and mild oxidation. The brass displays deep aged patina, mostly distinct engraving, and mild marks and scratches. The stock has nice flame figure, generally distinct carving, some repairs in the lock and
breech section including bedding under the barrel, discreet filler in the original barrel key slots, some small chips at the edges, and general small scratches and dings. This is definitely a very attractive Golden Age “smooth rifle” with a lot of beautiful work.
Estimate: 40,000 - 70,000
SIMILAR EXAMPLE SHOWN IN THE BOOK THOUGHTS ON THE KENTUCKY RIFLE IN THE GOLDEN AGE BY KINDIG, JR.