AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: HIB on May 25, 2014, 07:51:12 AM
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Attention Collectors, Builders and Individuals interested in Americana
The Kentucky Rifle Foundation has the distinct pleasure of offering, at auction, a portion of the late Jack Vye collection of 'Kentucky' rifles Friday evening, June 27, 2014.
The Kentucky Rifle Foundation auction will be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Kentucky Rifle Association, June 27 - June 29 at the Four Points Sheraton Pittsburgh North, Mars, Pennsylvania.
Jack Vye often told his friends he was the champion of the 'Silver Age' of the Kentucky rifle. His collection certainly supports his claim and includes many KRA award winning category examples. The three examples below support that claim as well. The rifle is Vye collection #52, [KRA auction # 27]
There are 31 rifles in Session I of the Jack Vye collection auction. Session II will be held at a later date and location which has yet to be established.
Terms, Conditions and Disclaimers and additional photos are available on the Kentucky Rifle Foundation web page. For more information please go to : kentuckyriflefoundation.org
Please keep in mind this is a "As Is; Where Is" auction. Enter the bidding arena accordingly.
In addition, stay tuned to this post as additional photos will be placed as they become available.
Regards, HIB
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle52TobiasSnyderAtrib-PatchboxCloseup.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle52TobiasSnyderAtrib-PatchboxCloseup.jpg.html)(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle52TobiasSnyderAtrib-CheekSideDetailView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle52TobiasSnyderAtrib-CheekSideDetailView.jpg.html)(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle52TobiasSnyderAtrib-LockView2.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle52TobiasSnyderAtrib-LockView2.jpg.html)
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This rifle of Jack Vye is attributed to Tobias Snyder. It is a full stock percussion rifle that has 60 silver inlays. It was also picked as the "Best Inlaid Rifle" at the 1998 meeting of the KRA. It has a 42" barrel and is listed as a .45 caliper. You can see more pictures of it on our KRF website.
VP
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(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle55JClark-LockSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle55JClark-LockSideView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle55JClark-CheekSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle55JClark-CheekSideView.jpg.html)
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As a newby at KRA. I was immediately drawn to Jack with his bead braided beard and last time he was there I sat and talked while he told me his very interesting life story from boyhood on the farm to present. He was one of those people you never forget for good reasons
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I had the pleasure of knowing him well. I rode with him last year to the KRA and roomed with him. He was an interesting man and had a great knowledge of the rifle.
Buck
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The first time I met Jack Vye was seven or eight years ago at the Ohio Longrifle Show in Marietta. Drank a beer with him in the lounge. Then nearly every year after that talked with him and his wife at that show. This past year at the KRA Show he told me his wife had died. Then this past Ohio show I was informed of his passing. He was just a great genuine person, no pretense, no BS. Full of knowledge & willing to share it with grace and enthusiasm. He will be remembered & missed by all who had the good fortune to have made his acquaintance.
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Jack always struck me as having a generosity of spirit and he will be missed. How wonderful that his family has found a way to share his collection with the fraternity.
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Another award wining Jack Vye Rifle. Number 61
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle61DSorDL-LockSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle61DSorDL-LockSideView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle61DSorDL-CheekSideView.jpg) (http://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle61DSorDL-CheekSideView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle61DSorDL-CheekInlayDetails.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle61DSorDL-CheekInlayDetails.jpg.html)
Stay tuned. There are 27 more!!!
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Some pretty nice looking guns from the photos. I went to the KRF site and looked at them. But I missed any "auction estimates" as noted above. Was that posted or is that from an inside source available only to members. Prices seem to be a hard thing to get a handle on. I see offerings sometimes which look "cheap" but priced over the roof...and others that look super yet priced low. Don't need to remind me about condition and makers I get that part but it just seems like almost no "rules" seem to apply when guns are offered.. Auctions as such would appear to be a good gauge but only after the fact. Will post auction results be available?
Another thought. I would love to have any of these guns. But don't some appear overdone? I was at an event yesterday with some long rifle fans and detected a great variety of opinions on when any given gun crosses the line from just right to "over done". Guess it's a matter of personal taste.
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brooktrout,
The guns are reasonably priced, the driving force behind the so called inflated prices is the competition to own a desirable gun. How much are you willing to spend to have the rifle in your collection?
Buck
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Buck: I did not mean to suggest the one gun with the auction estimate of $2000 to $3000 was overpriced (HIB's post). Actually that seems underpriced vs some other guns I have seen and even some that are currently offered elsewhere.
But I still do not see any prices or auction estimates on the web site. Not that it matters as I'm not a player for any of them. But I do follow prices. Naturally, no two guns are exactly alike but similar guns similar quality and maybe even made by the same maker don't always sell for the same money. Simple to explain however. Just not the right buyer with the right desire always present when a sale is happening.
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brooktrout,
I think you took me out of context. There are many variables that drive the price of these rifles. With that when you enter into the auction arena you have an added obstacle. Your desire for the rifle and what you will pay to get it, then you have to add in the factor of how bad the next guy wants it and the possibility he has unlimited funds. Good Luck.
Buck
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Gentlemen, The response to Jack Vye has been heart warming. I knew him well also. He always had better stories than me. That's a difficult task.
I'd like to provide those of you who have an interest in this auction with some basic statistics. It doesn't matter what collecting level you are at because this auction provides everyone a chance to gain an example or two at moderate level pricing and costs. If, for instance, there is a gun you like posted on the KRF web site you can always get more information provided the KRF has it. Just ask.
The basic numbers are as follows:
a] There were 32 guns in the auction. One has been removed by the Vye family. It has been taken off the KRF web site. There remains 31 guns.
b] Of the 31 remaining guns there are 4 'High Roller' examples. At least they are 'high roller' guns based on the status of my pocket book.
c] I have removed them from the #'s shown below. I took the total 'Low Estimate' and divided it by the remaining 27 guns. I did the same thing for the 27 'Average Estimate' guns.
d] Average 'Low Estimate' hammer price on 27 Vye Collection guns is $2860
e] Average 'Average Estimate' hammer price on the same guns is $3430
It is my firm opinion if you do your homework you can find a great example of Ohio and adjacent states guns at a fair market value in this auction. Read the Terms and act accordingly.
Stay tuned as the KRF will be posting more pictures. Regards, HIB
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It will be very interesting to follow. I take it that the auction estimates are available but are NOT posted on the web site. I hope the post auction results are available somewhere after the sale.
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Gentlemen, This is a very interesting rifle attributed to A. Kopp by J. Vye.
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle43AKopp-LockSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle43AKopp-LockSideView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle43AKopp-PatchboxDetailView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle43AKopp-PatchboxDetailView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle43AKopp-CheekSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle43AKopp-CheekSideView.jpg.html)
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Gentlemen, Here is another classic carved Kentucky Attributed by Jack Vye to C Orwan
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle48COrwan-LockSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle48COrwan-LockSideView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle48COrwan-CheekSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle48COrwan-CheekSideView.jpg.html)
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Here is a URL for a Remarkably similar and signed "A. Kopp" that is the ALR Library. I would judge the finial and engraving to be "non-identical" twins.
http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=7264.0
Hurricane
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Unless there is membership objection ( contact me personally) I have added the URLs to Jack Vye's Collection to the ARL Library " Hall of Recognition", thus leaving ready access to this fine collection to all current and future student of the Kentucky Rifle.
Hurricane
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No pictures are displayed in the memorial thread to Jack in the ALR Library , just links to the internet posted photos and info elsewhere on the net..
Hurricane
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Gentlemen, This auction includes a rifle by the famous Lancaster, Pa. gunsmith M. Fordney. It appears to be a nice example. However, close inspection is always advised when considering a gun in this category.We have been informed there is restoration but the specifics are not clear.
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle59MFordney-LockSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle59MFordney-LockSideView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle59MFordney-PatchboxDetailView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle59MFordney-PatchboxDetailView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle59MFordney-CheekSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle59MFordney-CheekSideView.jpg.html)
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Gentlemen, Here is a rifle attributed to D. Douglass, Huntington County, Pa. It has 41 silver inlays and fish inlays on the barrel. It is the first Jack Vye gun that will go on the auction block.
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle1DDouglas-LockSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle1DDouglas-LockSideView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle1DDouglas-CheekSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle1DDouglas-CheekSideView.jpg.html)
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Gentlemen, Rifle number 3 is an interesting original percussion rifle attributed to Henry Groff.
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/IMG_8604.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/IMG_8604.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/IMG_8603.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/IMG_8603.jpg.html)
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Gentlemen, This rifle was attributed to Samuel Baum by Jack Vye. It is full stock with incised carving. The collector notes found with the rifle indicate restoration but do not specify what the restoration might be.
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle51SamuelBaumAtrib-CheekSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle51SamuelBaumAtrib-CheekSideView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle51SamuelBaumAtrib-LockSideView-1.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle51SamuelBaumAtrib-LockSideView-1.jpg.html)
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Gentlemen, Here is an interesting swivel breech percussion rifle attributed to J Hillegas.
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle6JHillegasAtrib-LockSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle6JHillegasAtrib-LockSideView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle6JHillegasAtrib-CheekSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle6JHillegasAtrib-CheekSideView.jpg.html)
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Gentlemen, Here is an interesting gun attributed to a gunsmith named J. Roosa
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle17JRoosa-LockSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle17JRoosa-LockSideView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle17JRoosa-CheekSideView3.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle17JRoosa-CheekSideView3.jpg.html)
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Henry,
Will the prospective buyers be able to handle the rifles prior to the auction?
Buck
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Buck, Most certainly. The guns will arrive in Pittsburgh Thurs. evening. They will be put on display in the lobby outside the closed KRA 'members only' show room the next morning as early as possible. Individuals who are not KRA members will be able to view the rifles in the lobby only. They will be on display a large part of the morning, all afternoon and up to auction time. Individuals interested in the auction but unable to attend will need to arrange bidding opportunities with a KRA member they know as long as payment is made immediately after the auction is over. All individuals in attendance will be allowed in the auction room. Regards, HIB
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Gentlemen, This rifle has L. A. or possibly Z. A. stamped on the barrel. There are over 25 silver inlays on the incised carved rifle. I don't have the slightest idea who that is. Do you???[/color]
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle57LA-LockSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle57LA-LockSideView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle57LA-CheekSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle57LA-CheekSideView.jpg.html)
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Henry,
Zachariah Albright???
Buck
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Buck, You are the second individual with that suggestion. Guess the price of poker may just have gone up!! Thanks for the input. HIB
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There is a Z. Albright ( signed) in the Upper Susquehanna volume with identical patchbox and side plate. I once owned it.
Hurricane
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Gentlemen, I guess that settles that. Thanks to all for the important info. HIB
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Gentlemen, Here is a fine looking gun by Wm. Earnhart. Vye collector notes indicate 'some restoration'. This is KRF auction rifle #30; and Vye collection rifle #60.
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle60WmEarnhart-LockSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle60WmEarnhart-LockSideView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle60WmEarnhart-LockSideView2.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle60WmEarnhart-LockSideView2.jpg.html)
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These are all a bunch of really great longrifles! That Melcoir Fordney piece keeps beckoning me! Awww.....my taste buds are just too darn rich and I keep getting fatter! Thank you Henry for putting these up for show. Jack sure had good taste's and quite a collection!
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Gentlemen, This next rifle is KRA auction #49, Vye collection #49. The KRF has been told the gun is in excellent condition based on the Vye collection notes with 22 silver inlays. The eagle on the cheek rest is impressive.
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle49JSJohnson-LockSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle49JSJohnson-LockSideView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle49JSJohnson-CheekSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle49JSJohnson-CheekSideView.jpg.html)
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Gentlemen, This rifle KRF #18, Yye collection #42 is a signed J Heinz rifle. Vye collection notes indicate minor restoration. It is an incised gun with a barrel exceeding 44 inches.(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle42SHeinz-LockSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle42SHeinz-LockSideView.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/Rifle42SHeinz-CheekSideView.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/Rifle42SHeinz-CheekSideView.jpg.html)
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Gentlemen, This rifle is attributed to Wm. Johnson. It is a half stock gun with 18 silver inlays. KRF auction #14. Vye collection #36
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/IMG_8684.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/IMG_8684.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/IMG_8685.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/IMG_8685.jpg.html)
(https://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww5/henryb_album/IMG_8686.jpg) (https://s700.photobucket.com/user/henryb_album/media/IMG_8686.jpg.html)
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Henry, Any detailed photos of the Roop?
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Rob,
I would assume no, there were over 60 rifles to photograph in 1 day. I believe there are only 2 to 3 shots of each.
Buck
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Shreck, I went thru everything sent to me before I deleted the large files I had accumulated. I did not see any more photos of the Roop. Sorry
The guns will probably be all out by 11:00 a.m. Friday so get there early with a good light and mag glass. HIB
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I have posted the question before but got no response. Will any final prices be available?
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Brooktrout, Apparently I missed the question the first time. Actually there was no answer then nor is there an answer now. It is not my decision to make but I will bring it up during the Kentucky Rifle Foundation board meeting Sat. afternoon.
My personal vote would be to post the Hammer Price of each gun, however, that usually follows within several weeks after the auction. Some auction houses wait 45 days but I think the KRF will be faster.
I will do my best to get you the info you seek. Regards, HIB
NB: Send your e-mail address to me in the event I need to contact you specifically
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Thanks for the reply Henry. Some nice looking rifles for auction. Anxious to see them in person.
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Surprised to see NO comments about the auction. Very enjoyable. I got a fine gun. 31 others did as well at reasonable prices to very good prices..
Thanks
Hurricane
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Craig, Curt and Jerry did an excelant job on the appraisals. I am happy for Jack's family and the K.R.A. foundation picked up a little extra money for there projects also.
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Jim,
Don't forget Joe helped with the appraisals, and Al Reyder who drove them down there. I would agree with Fred that it went well. I was happy to not have to reload any of them back in the Suburban.
Buck
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Buck,
Your right! My apologies to Joe. When ever he would appraise one of my guns it was always kind of low. I can't blame him to much though, we were working on a trade.
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This was only phase one of the KRF auction of the Vye collection, an equal number of rifles should be auctioned off again next year. Stand by for phase 2.
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Buck, Most certainly. The guns will arrive in Pittsburgh Thurs. evening. They will be put on display in the lobby outside the closed KRA 'members only' show room the next morning as early as possible. Individuals who are not KRA members will be able to view the rifles in the lobby only. They will be on display a large part of the morning, all afternoon and up to auction time. Individuals interested in the auction but unable to attend will need to arrange bidding opportunities with a KRA member they know as long as payment is made immediately after the auction is over. All individuals in attendance will be allowed in the auction room. Regards, HIB