Unknown Contemporary Rifle in Davenport, IA

[The Rambling Historian]

https://www.mecum.com/lot-detail/GA0416-245850/0/Kentucky-Flint-Lock-Gun/

Somehow this rifle got placed in an auction consisting mostly of tractors. Any ideas on the maker and value? I'm not likely going to bid since I cannot go and check it out in person and see what the bore is like and what not.

[Boompa]

  A little odd...NO lock panels.

[The Rambling Historian]

Yeah from the images it looks like the usual stock flats are simply the same level as the rest of the stock.

[Ky-Flinter]

Nice low sights.

-Ron

[Hungry Horse]

 I think its a Cockran lock, because of the shape of the jaw screw. This looks to me like someones early effort at building. I see some positive work, and some work that needs refinement. believe me I've seen worse examples.

    Hungry Horse

[Bob Roller]

I think its a Cockran lock, because of the shape of the jaw screw. This looks to me like someones early effort at building. I see some positive work, and some work that needs refinement. believe me I've seen worse examples.

    Hungry Horse

HH,
 It MIGHT be one of mine from the 1960's but I'm not sure.
 
Bob Roller

[rich pierce]

I'd be surprised if that rifle sold for more than the price of a used lock and barrel.

[oldtravler61]

Bob if it is. An you tuned the lock. It would be worth getting. Especially if you built it.

[Bob Roller]

Bob if it is. An you tuned the lock. It would be worth getting. Especially if you built it.

oldtravler61,
If the lock is removed and examined it will have my last name in it and a date.
Thanks also for the compliment.
Bob Roller

[ddoyle]

Worth a punt based on Bob's conjecture, no telling what something will go for at a farm auction tho. A good tractor gun is hard to find! And that one would be attractive to many eyes.

Could have been build by a Russian/Ukranian descendant from the wheat belt or from some other builder whose experience/knowledge of side locks is devoid of exposure to developed lock panels. Would make it a real American Long Rifle-blend of old and new world traditions....... No lack of side locks with out panels out there.  Do the Huterites build the odd gun?

[Mike Brooks]

Just got back from the auction. Gun sold for $1100. It was fearsome ugly in person..... Dixie lock too BTW.

[oldtravler61]

All mine have lock panels. But there still ugly.

[Mike Brooks]

All mine have lock panels. But there still ugly.

I was willing to go $300 tops just for the parts. Sat there 3 hours and didn't even get to bid..... VERY annoying. Did get to see the "American Picker" crew there. Frank Fritz and Mike Wolf's brother. I suspect they were sellers, NOT buyers.

[The Rambling Historian]

Just got back from the auction. Gun sold for $1100. It was fearsome ugly in person..... Dixie lock too BTW.

Wow. That is a lot more than I expected! I was going to send my grandfather to put in a bid since he was thinking about just going to see the cool old tractors anyways. I'm glad I didn't waste his time!

[oldtravler61]

Been my experience. Guns generally go much higher than there actual value. At most auctions I have attended. Especially if they are a general type auction. But maybe there was more to this rifle than we know about.

[Mike Brooks]

Been my experience. Guns generally go much higher than there actual value. At most auctions I have attended. Especially if they are a general type auction. But maybe there was more to this rifle than we know about.

I don't think so.....

[WadePatton]

Been my experience. Guns generally go much higher than there actual value...

spoken like a buyer not a seller!  

nothing personal, just saying perspective is everything in this case.

edit:
and now that 3 more thoughts passed twixt my ears, I must ask HOW did it sell for more than it was worth when it was purchased at auction?  Does not the final bid indicate exactly what the piece was WORTH to the buyer and how much he's going to have to fork over (maybe plus a premium) to complete the transaction?  

I know what you're saying, but "higher than their value" can only be logical for all who underbid or didn't bid at all.  Their opinions don't pay the auctioneer.   Value has been set.

[jdm]

I know what you're saying, but "higher than their value" can only be logical for all who underbid or didn't bid at all.  Their opinions don't pay the auctioneer.   Value has been set.



Until next time!

[WadePatton]

That's what makes auctions so wonderful,  never know which lot is going to sell for "retail" and what items will only fetch "wholesale".  It's the bargains and rarities that make them interesting.

[T.C.Albert]

Hummm....just putting some southern style hardware on it doesn't do much...about everything else looks wrong to me for a good southern build...that said, I saw one very much like it ...well actually it was a lot better; at an antique shop in Port Byron which isnt too far away from where the auction was held...maybe it was the same builder, and that gun was priced at only half of the auction gavel price...I passed on it with no regrets.
tc   
 

[oldtravler61]

Wade my statement. Was a general comment. Not cut in stone. Someone stated $300 for the parts. An it went for $1100. Auctions can be good or bad. An yes I buy an sell. Have for over 40+ years. When Mr. Roller said he might have made it. That's what interested me.