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Frontier Firearms from the Lifetime Collection of Larry Ness
|
- Sale 1987
Live
| Cincinnati
Jun 8 | 10:00 AM EDT
Live
| Cincinnati
Sale 1987
| Cincinnati
| Cincinnati
Estimate$2,000 – $4,000
.58 caliber. 30" pinned three-stage octagon to round barrel with baluster turned rings at the transition. SN: NSN. Heavily oxidized brown metal, brass and iron furniture, walnut stock. Slightly convex rounded tail flint lock marked "H.E. LEMAN" in a vertical arc at the tail and with the remnants of the "{Tombstone Fox / PA}" mark typical of Leman's Northwest Trade Guns. Lock remains in original flint. Barrel with Birmingham style proofs that are likely Leman's own marks on the left angled flat and marked "H.E. LEMAN" in an arc and "LANCASTER, PA" on the top flat. Two-screw serpent side plate, large iron triggerguard, raised carved moldings on stock at tail of lock, counterpane and around tang. Typical corrugated ramrod pipes with wooden ramrod. Gun cut down during the period of use to a much handier length with about 6" of barrel and stock removed, with a brass blade sight added near the muzzle. Nailed buttplate removed. Shortening trade guns to "carbine" length was quite popular with the Native Americans, making the guns easier to use on horseback or carry in dense brush. This gun shows moderate wear with some period use and damage. A solid and honest example of a Native used and shortened trade gun.
The Collection of Larry Ness
Good as period modified and used. Metal with a thickly oxidized brown patina with scattered surface roughness and some pitting. Lock in original flint, functional and with a moderately eroded touchhole. Bore dark, dirty and pitted. Brass with a rich patina. Stock with moderate wear and period damage including about a 16" long sliver missing from the obverse forend at the barrel junction, other slivers and chips missing from the forend on the reverse, and the expected bumps, dings and mars.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
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Tim Carey
Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria
