Nicholas Beyer

[JV Puleo]

Bonaham's Auction in San Francisco on June 20th... lot 9227

[JTR]

Thanks!
I looked, but it seems the auction info isn't on the internet just yet.

John

[jdm]

 The info's on the auction site. JTR.  Go int up coming auctions . It's several pages back...The estimate is wrong or the rifle is. The pictures make it hard to get a good look. I don't know why they low balled it.   JIM

[rich pierce]

Maybe low balled because of the late looking lock and a smoothy.  But it's carved and pretty much attic condition.

[JV Puleo]

I like the gun... I'm sure the lock is wrong but that isn't anywhere near as important in this case as it would be in almost any other scenario. One of my friends has a lovely Beyer that has an elaborate conversion that includes a bolster breech which is why this one rang a bell when I saw it. I think its just mis-identified. I suspect it was rifled but we can't expect any auction house to have experts on hand for everything. This sale has some fine Persian and eastern arms... in fact, this is a sort of tag-along to the big items which include one of Tipu Sultan, the Lion of Mysore's swords, taken at the siege of Seringapatam in 1799.

In a non-Ky Rifle context, replaced lock and bored out barrel equate to a low estimate. The picture in the printed catalog is dark but the gun looks right out of someone's attic.

[mr. no gold]

Found it! Nice rifle, badly treated, and seemingly used hard. Still, a golden age gun with fine carving and nice preening bird patchbox.
Chances are, this one has had the barrel cut back a couple of inches when it was converted. It should have had a 45 inch barrel, as that was a length Beyer used on his smooth guns, which this was/is. Good untouched condition and a worthy addition to any collection.
Wonder if the lock was actually replaced or just converted? Beyer used both English and Germanic locks on his guns from his earliest work. Would guess that this is one of his rather early pieces and it compares well with one shown on an antique gun website not too long ago.
As to the estimate, who knows how the house determines the limits. This gun will go for far more, I suspect. The J. Small gun at the last Julia Auction was estimated to gavel down at 40K to 60K and it brought 180K. Happily, this gun is not in that league.
Thank you for bringing it to our attention. Good luck, if you go after it!
Dick

[JTR]

Thanks JDM, I found it!
Even with an obvious poorly replaced lock the gun is going to sell for a lot mor than 2 to 4K. I don't see it bringing Big Bucks, 30/40K, but would be surprised to see it go for less than 15/18K.
I'd take it, even with its shortcomings
Thanks for pointing it out JV!
John

[Fullstock longrifle]

I agree John, this rifle will probably bring in the neighborhood of $15,000.00 to $18,000.00 when it's all said and done.  It's a nice Beyer and the changed out percussion lock won't have a huge effect on the final price.  Before ALR, this one might have have slipped through the cracks, it won't now.

FK

[Hurricane ( of Virginia)]

Just to add to the conversation, a Nicholas Beyer was recently for sale                ( February 2011 or later ) for $10,750. It is sold.. It was similarly carved, obviously cleaned up. I thought under priced as well.

http://www.michaelsimens.com/Admin/mikesimages/nicholas_beyer_kentucky_rifle3250c.jpg

http://www.michaelsimens.com/Admin/mikesimages/3250d.jpg

Hurricane

[JTR]

Fred,
I think the Bonham one is a bit better than the Simens one, even with the poor lock, but, who knows how others will see it.

It Might be a real steal at that auction!
Hmmm,,,, let's see,,, put off kitchen remodling (again) and persue Beyer with the hope that no one else wants it too badly? 

John