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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$6,000 – $9,000
.56 caliber. 36" pinned three-stage octagon to round barrel. SN: NSN. Oxidized metal, brass and iron furniture, full-length walnut stock. Percussion altered flint lock marked with the American "{Spread-Winged Eagle}" motif forward of the hammer, and marked in three lines at the tail of the lock "TRYON/PHILADELPHIA/1845". Top flat of barrel marked "TRYON PHILADA", breech with cryptic markings intended to appear like English proof marks and no doubt to deceive the recipient of the gun into believing it was of English origin. Lock appears to be a repurposed U.S. Model 1816 lock plate, re-profiled for use with this trade gun and possibly for use to make New England Militia Muskets as well. Drum conversion to percussion with drum bolster missing and rounded commercial percussion hammer with light floral engraving. In imitation of the typical Northwest Trade Gun form the gun has a three-screw serpent side plate, an oversized iron triggerguard, a rudimentary raised carved apron around the tang and a flat brass buttplate. A single corrugated brass pipe secures the wood ramrod. While the Northwest pattern guns were certainly made in large quantities during their period of use, most were of English or Belgian manufacture. American made guns that so closely follow the form are rather scarce and one by such a desirable Philadelphia maker is a real rarity. A very important, if well used example of a scarce American trade gun.
The Collection of Larry Ness
Good. Metal moderately oxidized with scattered surface pitting and roughness, showing a mottled brown and gray patina. Markings remain legible, not mechanically functional as the mainspring is missing. Bore moderately oxidized and about good with pitting. Stock with heavy wear and forend damage with about 5" of splintered loss near the muzzle, some additional chipped and slivered loss and some missing pins. Otherwise with scattered 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.
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Tim Carey
Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria
