Jacob Fordney, Lancaster

[ntqlvr1948]

 My friend is in Pennsylvania looking at a longrifle. it has a back action lock, signed Jacob Fordney...Lancaster. It has an alligator inletted on the cheek of the stock, and other inlays. Gun looks in great shape and the owner is willing to sell under 4 thousand. Is this a desirable maker?  By the way it is a half stock gun with a great engraved patchbox.

[Tanselman]

It seems a little high for a Jacob Fordney of later vintage, based on its back-action lock. But it is impossible to price an early American rifle without seeing pictures of it to fully understand its current condition, if altered or restored in any manner and to what extent, the quality of its patchbox and inlay work, pleasing stock architecture, etc.

Shelby Gallien

[JTR]

I agree with Shelby.

So is the lock signed Jacob Fordney.. Lancaster? Or is the barrel signed Jacob Fordney... Lancaster?    Or both?

John

[ntqlvr1948]

The lock for sure but I don't know about the barrel

[jdm]

As they say prices  may vary. A later one, backaction lock ,small caliber, will not bring as much . If it was earlier full stock large bore (45 or bigger ) keyed barrel and signed on barrel  four might not be so out of line. 
The half stock thing brings up some questions for me. I think you would be well served to check and see if it was a full stock when it was  first made.  The Fordney family and other  Lancaster makers of that time period did nice engraved rifles. Good luck with it.

[Rajin cajun]

I know of a really nice Fordney for sale , pm me and I’ll give you the persons info.
Bob

[JTR]

The lock for sure but I don't know about the barrel

The lock only probably means it's a Fordney lock, and not necessarily a Fordney made rifle.

[Tanselman]

Here are two rifles in a "bundle" deal at Rock Island Auction, being sold Feb. 14th with one being a full-stocked Jacob Fordney with patchbox. Watch the auction result by checking this web address after the auction to see how much the pair goes for, and you may get a better idea of auction prices for a full-stocked Jacob Fordney. 

https://www.proxibid.com/Guns-Military-Artifacts/Percussion-Firearms/Two-American-Percussion-Long-Guns/lotInformation/73972827#topoflot

Shelby Gallien

[ntqlvr1948]

 Thanks, I will tell my friend about this. He is not too familiar with long rifles. He mostly buys and sells all kinds of antiques. He stumbles across this gun at one of his customer's house and wanted to know if he should buy it.

[davebozell]

Here are two rifles in a "bundle" deal at Rock Island Auction, being sold Feb. 14th with one being a full-stocked Jacob Fordney with patchbox. Watch the auction result by checking this web address after the auction to see how much the pair goes for, and you may get a better idea of auction prices for a full-stocked Jacob Fordney. 

https://www.proxibid.com/Guns-Military-Artifacts/Percussion-Firearms/Two-American-Percussion-Long-Guns/lotInformation/73972827#topoflot

Shelby Gallien

Looks like they sold for $1900 plus whatever buyer premium they charge.  Seems like that was a pretty good deal.

[Tanselman]

The Jacob Fordney rifle at Rock Island Auction was full-stocked with uncut barrel, original finish, and his normal engraved patchbox with later Lancaster style separated side leaves. The gun had a standard Lancaster "basket weave" checkered wrist, oval silver forestock inlays, and larger silver cheek inlay. While auction prices are often somewhat lower than dealer prices, it still provides a "base line" for a decent, and in my opinion above average, full-stocked Jacob Fordney rifle with good signature.

Shelby Gallien