Peter Berry, Cooley, Shriver, etc Rifles - your thoughts - rarity - your fav

[BradBrownBess]

I'm looking at some rifles and researching the makers - their possible known history and examples, etc
I know this is extremely subjective based on style, carving, condition, and a million other factors.


Looking at current auction prices (last 5 years) throw your thoughts out on these makers - considering a rifle by each, similar condition, rarity, etc. All carved, minimal repairs, possible reconversion.
Expected price points and your choice or favorite. What is a fair current auction price and your first pick?
1) Jacob Dickert pre 1800
2) David Cooley post 1
3) Peter Berry Circa 1800
4) John Rupp Circa 1800 or slightly prior
5) John Shriver - Pre 1800

[Eric Kettenburg]

Peter Berry created some very interesting rifles, especially pieces that appear to be earlier in his career.  None of those are going to be had 'cheap,' though.

My preference of course is John Rupp and you will be seeing a huge "information dump" on him very shortly 

The Rupp that just sold through Poulin's went @ 21-22K iirc.  It has some very old restoration work that needs to be addressed but I think it's a heck of a rifle and one of only two signed pieces by John.  Congrats to whomever got it, fantastic piece.

The Kindig John Rupp is probably (imho) one of the most interesting 'Lehigh' rifles out there, clearly stocked up with some components from an earlier rifle and I think the use of such earlier components is one of the reasons it's such a thick chick.  Also one of the reasons it's frequently dated much earlier than it logically could be.  I think that one is probably one of the earliest of the surviving "proper" Lehighs and could conceivabley date to the post-War 1780s, much like Neiharts 1787 rifle, or early 1790s.

[BradBrownBess]

I think I agree with Rupp as a favorite - creating some of the most classic 'Lehigh' rifles - I'm no expert but the slim wrist to that distinct beautiful butt shape he seems to get right every time.
Peter Berry is a newer builder to me (in my learning) but I do find his guns to be terrific and all seem very standardized (varying only slightly), Carving skillz are top notch.
I also find the few David Cooley Rifles I have studied through pictures to have a magic touch with patch box and carving.

None is the list of 5 I mentioned have any marks against them from my eye - but these makers top my list of favorites and one's I am keeping an eye out for - if the right one comes along.

I love to hear other opinions and tastes so thank you for any replies!!!!

[smart dog]

Hi Brad,
I love Peter Berry's work and am building an early Berry inspired rifle right now.  There is debate concerning Berry Sr. being the maker of the early guns and his son the later ones or Berry Jr made them all.  Regardless the family came from the border area between France and Switzerland and that might account for a French influence on his stock architecture.  I view Berry's work objectively as a gun maker.  He, or they, were prolific and creative carvers but the execution sometimes is coarse.  It is very effective but if you look close you will see rough areas and poorly shaped curves.  However, the overall impression is sleek and elegant and the odd patch box alignment is a plus when you get used to it. I consider a Berry to be a must have in any collection representative of post Rev War long rifles.  I love the Rupps as well but I have special places in my heart for John Noll and George Eister.  I just love the way Eister violates the "golden mean". 

dave