Auctions

[Tanselman]

Yeah, you guys might see it again in the future. Best under-the-radar rifle at auction I've seen in a long time. North Carolina bloodline with a couple KY details that, while a NC rifle, can help us explain the origins of KY's Lexington guns a little better. Historically, the Bryan family [from Rowan Co., NC] gets most of the credit for the Lexington rifle style, but if this gun is marked, which I believe it is, I'll be excited to see what it can tell us, since it carries a couple early KY [Lexington] details as well. And thank you for your restraint... now my wife will still speak to me.

Shelby Gallien

[JTR]

Well, now, at least we know it went to a good home!
John

[Tanselman]

This rifle is exceptional in its details, which are muted in its darkened condition. Two details, the rear pipe carving with its double-line molding terminated by an exaggerated "wavy" line, and the butt plate return with its two filed grooves in the raised ridge at the end, are more strongly related to central Bluegrass rifles in Kentucky than to most North Carolina guns.

Despite the gun's damage and wear, two other details indicate this is one of North Carolina's most unique and interesting rifles yet found. Note the complex butt carving, which I like to call "country/sophisticated," and the elaborate ramrod pipes, filed with facets and overlaid with tiny silver diamonds [some missing] that make this rifle an important study piece for those of us interested in early North Carolina rifles, early NC influences on Kentucky's Bluegrass guns, and the NC gunsmiths that provided those influences. I am highlighting the two unique detail areas below so they can be seen more clearly.

Shelby Gallien

[120RIR]

Fantastic information and I (and everyone else following this) look forward to additional details and some better photos once it's in your hands.  I too am glad this obviously went to a good home.  My motivations were much more mercenary but it's nice to know that in not further pursuing this piece I contributed to a harmonious home life.   

[JTR]

Shelby, Am I assuming correctly that the stab marks in the butt carving are after the fact jabs?
To me, they look fresh, new, and out of place.
John

[Tanselman]

John,

If you are referring to the small, dark punch marks/dots in the larger C scrolls, I believe they are original details of the carving. Some NC rifles get a little quirky in their carving details. When I get the gun in hand I will have better answers, but along with the "different" carved pattern, I think they will prove to be OK.

and to 120RIR... I appreciate your grace in letting this gun go to another collector. I always feel a little bad when I bid and miss an item I really liked, and if you are like me, you may have had a couple "second thoughts" on how you bid the rifle. If it helps, I wanted this rifle for my ongoing research work with Kentucky guns and their connection to North Carolina rifles, and I had decided to acquire the rifle at "almost any" cost well before the final auction, even if it ran much higher. I seldom get an opportunity to acquire a "bridge" piece between an eastern state's guns and Kentucky's guns influenced by that state. Those guns help me understand Kentucky's early gun making better. This rifle was an important piece of that puzzle. So again, thanks for letting this one go.

Shelby Gallien

[120RIR]

Here's a nice piece...a rifling bench setup:

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/202410532_rare-19th-c-pa-long-rifle-gunsmith-equipment