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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$1,000 – $1,500
.54 caliber. 43.5" wedge-retained octagonal to round barrel. SN: NSN. Browned finish, brass furniture, faux finish tiger striped hardwood stock with checkered wrist. Barrel marked "GIBBS/LANCASTER/PA" in three lines behind the rear sight. Commercial single screw percussion lock is lightly engraved and marked "Henry Parker/Warranted" in two lines with single trigger. Fixed notch dovetailed rear sight, dovetailed brass Rocky Mountain front sight blade. Four-piece, simple Lancaster-style patchbox is unadorned with release in toe plate. Other brass fixtures include rudimentary spur triggerguard, butt plate, toe plate, nose cap, three wedges without escutcheons and two ramrod thimbles and an entry pipe. Stock with simple skip line checkering at wrist, with small plain oval German silver inlays on the raised cheek rest and at the wrist. Includes an old brass tipped wood ramrod. Two mid-19th century gunmakers named Gibbs worked in Lancaster, PA. Abraham Gibbs is listed by Sellers as circa 1857. Henry Gibbs (1824-1880) is listed as worked circa 1857-1870. Sellers notes that Henry made particularly high quality guns. The fit and finish of this trade rifle is superior to many and may be the work of Henry Gibbs, although Mr. Ness' notes indicate he felt this gun was made by Abraham.
The Collection of Larry Ness
Very good. Barrel smoothly oxidized with a rich and untouched brown patina. Gibbs marking on barrel remains mostly legible, lock markings clear. Mechanically functional, poor bore is heavily pitted and extremely dirty with no discernible rifling nor any indication that the guns as ever rifled, suggesting it was made as a "buck and ball" gun or a "smooth rifle". Brass with an old cleaning and an attractive golden tone. Stock crisp with scattered bumps, dings and mars and an old repair at the toe.
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
