3447

RARE EARLY PERCUSSION SNYDER COUNTY PA RIFLE BY

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
RARE EARLY PERCUSSION SNYDER COUNTY PA RIFLE BY

JOSEPH SHAFER (SCHAEFER). Cal. 55 smooth. NSN. Bbl. 43 3/4" full oct., 59" overall. Curly maple stock w/ 4 piece brass engraved patchbox. 20 Silver inlays. Gun is incised carved behind the cheekpiece. Silver halfmoon inlay above cheek & brass cheek inlay are engraved. The brass sideplate marked "No 145". The early percussion lock engraved w/ "SHAFER" which identifies the maker. The lock would suggest this gun could date as early as the 1820s. CONDITION: very good overall, mottled dark gray patina to bbl. & lock, maker script signature on top of bbl. partially discernible. Stock is sound, w/ several inset repairs below lock, above sideplate & sm. inset at left mid bbl. wedge, otherwise stock has hand worn patina. Mechanically functional w/ clear pitted smoothbore. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. John Persing. (01-19574/RG). ANTIQUE. $2,500-3,500.