3422

VERY NICE SIGNED GEORGE KEEN PENN TOWNSHIP

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
VERY NICE SIGNED GEORGE KEEN PENN TOWNSHIP

(SHAMOKIN DAM) RIFLE. Cal. 50 rifled bore. NSN. Bbl. 41 1/2" full oct. Overall length 57". Very nice 4 piece engraved brass patchbox w/ 9 piercings. The flintlock is engraved “MOORE” vertically above rebated tail. Rifle has dbl. set triggers & is incised carved to rear of the cheekpiece. It features a brass saddle plate, 5 1/4" long fancy brass comb inlaid w/ 5 piercings & an early heavy brass sideplate. Bbl. signed w/ the initials “GK” in script & is wedge fastened to the stock. Keen (1820-1833) was the son-in-law of George Gaugler from whom he learned the trade. In 1833, he was assessed as a gunsmith in Penn Township. Dallas Ewing contends Keen was one of the best gunsmiths in the area during the time period in which he worked. CONDITION: very good overall, probably reconversion, smooth dark iron patina lighter at breech; stock is sound & well fit w/ only noted repair of sm. inset, nicely blended forward of frizzen. The typical triangle of wood broken out at the toe from wood shrinkage has resulted in the bottom side panel of the patchbox being somewhat distorted & pinned, otherwise the entire rifle seems to be in very nice, original condition. Mechanically functional, dark rifled bore. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. John Persing. (01-19565/RG). ANTIQUE. $5,000-8,000.