SOLD SOLD Unsigned Andrew Fichthorn, Womelsdorf/Reading, Pennsylvania ca 1815

Examples of Andrew Fichthorn's (Figthorn) work is extremely rare. This example rested in the Fort Ticonderoga Museum for decades and was recently made available to the public. Henry Bishop relates that Fichthorn trained with Bonewitz and Reedy in Womelsdorf and in 1803 moved to Reading and set up shop. He died in 1822 after an illness.

While this example has seen hard use it retains all its original parts including the lock which was never converted to percussion. The lock bolts and sloted barrel wedges are intact. Only a couple very minor slivers of wood have been restored. The deeply rifled barrel is 44 inches (its original length) about .69 cal. The curly maple though with dark surfaces is of good quality with wide stripes. There is wear and scrathes to the forestock. Of interest are three initials ("I A N" in block letters) cut deeply ito the barrel near the breech. These may be an unknown maker associated with Fichthorn, Bonewitz, & Reedy or an owner. They are unlikely but possibly a barrel makers mark.

This rifle with excellent originality, nice art, and high desirablility and rarity is resonably priced.

SOLD 6/2025