Author Topic: John Armstrong (Read 8903 times)

Avlrc · « **on:** October 16, 2012, 02:32:35 AM »

If you saved your paper route & seed money since about the Big War, and invested it wisely, or if you did real well betting on the ponies, here is one for you.
http://www.cowanauctions.com/auctions/item.aspx?ItemId=112773

Fullstock longrifle · « **Reply #1 on:** October 16, 2012, 05:32:16 AM »

John Armstrong is one heck of a gunsmith and this is a good example of his work, it will be interesting to see what it brings.
Frank

mr. no gold · « **Reply #2 on:** October 16, 2012, 08:04:57 AM »

It is indeed one heck of a gun. It appears to be a barn find, as there seems to be water damage and a bent tang. It is untouched however and that says a lot. Price to be determined, as you said, Frank.
Oddly, the wood box, J.P. Beck, at another auction apprarently did not meet the number, (range much lower than this one), so it didn't sell. They are now taking offers on it. With that one in mind, it will indeed be instructive to see what this Armstong gavels down for.
Dick

Fullstock longrifle · « **Reply #3 on:** October 16, 2012, 08:09:34 PM »

This rifle was at the KRA show a couple of years ago, it's in nice untouched condition and it's an original flintlock. Apparently it was found in either an attic or a basement, as some of the finish and wood had started to degrade slightly. It's also the only Armstrong I've ever seen that isn't signed on the barrel, but it does have his initials on the lock. With that said, even without the signature on the barrel, there is no question who made it.

Frank

louieparker · « **Reply #4 on:** October 16, 2012, 08:49:59 PM »

Frank

I was called about this rifle while it was still in the family, A fellow was trying to buy it, He said it was on the Maryland coast.. Much to his displeasure it was put in auction..This was about four years ago ?? It's really a great rifle , completely untouched,,,May be some of his earlier work..Its the only one I recall seeing that I had no doubt was original flint...Note the frizzen spring, different to most.. If I recall correctly its also one of the few without the steel insert in the butt plate. Louie

Fullstock longrifle · « **Reply #5 on:** October 16, 2012, 09:48:23 PM »

Yes, this is the rifle that sold in November of 2007 at Weiss Auctions in New York for $98,875.00, with the buyers premium, that would bring the final price close to $110,000.00. You're right Louie, the frizzen spring is really something, I've never seen anything quite like it before. I've seen one other Armstrong without the steel insert, I agree with you, I believe that to be an early feature on an Armstrong.

Here's a link to information about the last auction.

http://news-antique.com/?id=783333

Frank

Buck · « **Reply #6 on:** October 21, 2012, 04:53:52 PM »

This is a great rifle, in review of the photos I see an area at the wrist that appears to be possibly repaired. Is it a possible illusion ?

jdm · « **Reply #7 on:** October 21, 2012, 05:36:10 PM »

Buck,
I think this one is 100%. Your may be seeing a line from the curl? JIM

louieparker · « **Reply #8 on:** October 21, 2012, 05:38:25 PM »

I have handled this rifle on two different occasions , it has no repairs. If you want an untouched Armstrong, go after this one, as it could be the only one around, I have never seen another...Louie

Buck · « **Reply #9 on:** October 22, 2012, 04:01:02 AM »

Louie & JDM,
I thought that it might be the matrixing in the computer screen when I enlarge the image. A beautiful rifle.

Shreckmeister · « **Reply #10 on:** October 22, 2012, 05:41:25 PM »

OK, so what am I seeing in the picture of the wrist lying above the lock mortise carve, halfway
between the heart inlay and back tip of the lock is a vertical line with wood loss to it's left.
The line terminates at the carve and it appears another line coming horizontally from the left
meets it and terminates there. Now it may be original to the rifle and done by Armstrong at
the time of the build, but to me, there is clearly a cut in the stock there? I have one pretty hi
res monitor, but I can see it on my other PC as well?

louieparker · « **Reply #11 on:** October 22, 2012, 06:51:57 PM »

What you are seeing in the horizontal line is the edge grain of the wood, The vertical is where something has struck the stock . .......LP

Buck · « **Reply #12 on:** October 22, 2012, 07:13:00 PM »

Rob,
Louie and I discussed this rifle extensively on Sunday. I see exactly what you are seeing, if Louie says it's correct it is correct.
Buck

Shreckmeister · « **Reply #13 on:** October 22, 2012, 09:41:37 PM »

That makes sense. Like maybe somebody bumped the edge of a blade against it. Thanks
Louie.

Fullstock longrifle · « **Reply #14 on:** October 26, 2012, 01:04:45 AM »

It doesn't look like the Armstrong met it's reserve, does anyone know what happened?
Frank

JTR · « **Reply #15 on:** October 26, 2012, 03:10:18 AM »

Yeah, I bought it

hehe, just kidding!

It looks like more than a few didn't sell....

John

Fullstock longrifle · « **Reply #16 on:** October 26, 2012, 05:33:22 AM »

I just heard tonight that it didn't get an opening bid.
Frank

Avlrc · « **Reply #17 on:** October 26, 2012, 04:07:02 PM »

Economy is still not real good. I think maybe even the financial well off are holding on to their stash.

Majorjoel · « **Reply #18 on:** October 26, 2012, 06:28:26 PM »

Not to take anything away from the beautiful Armstrong rifle, I noticed a few items went for prices far below what I usually expect to see. That fine jaeger flintlock for under 1500. and the 1803 Harpers Ferry halfstocks for less than 2500.00. There were a couple of very fine scrimshawed powder horns that went for very reasonable $$'s. I can see why the Armstrong and the Tansel horns stayed home. The times are what they are.

keweenaw · « **Reply #19 on:** November 05, 2012, 10:12:35 PM »

Personally I thought the Armstrong was estimated unreasonably high. While it is all correct and untouched, it really has considerable storage damage due to moisture. The iron is pitted and flaking rust and the brass looks like it was buried in the yard for about 20 years. No everyone's idea of a great old, $150,000 gun includes rusty and corroded.

There were several items in the auction that I didn't bid on even though the estimates seemed about right that sold for bargain basement prices. Hind sight is wonderful.

Tom

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Author Topic: John Armstrong (Read 8903 times)

keweenaw