KENTUCKY RIFLES FOR SALE ON CONSIGNMENT

Signed N Beyer, Nicholas Beyer, Lebanon, PA ca 1820

Nicholas Beyer was one of the most prolific, creative, and artistic gunsmiths in Pennsylvania. This example was made by him in the 1820's retaining the full compliment of his artistic ability. There is relief carving surrounding the thumb plate, and on both sides of the wrist. His carving design behind the cheek piece is one he often used. The curly maple is of nice flame grain quality with original surfaces. The barrel has been stretched (about 3.5" from the breech) to its original length of 42 inches; the calibre is about .44. Slightly more than a foot of forestock has been professionally restored; the ramrod pipe nearest the fore end cap is original. The lock reconversion is quite acceptable and small wood replacements in the usual burned out areas are nearly invisible.

Beyer's work is very collectable especially his bird finial patchboxes. This example is more decorative than most of his later work and retains a nice surface. Restoration holds the price to a reasonable level even though it is professionally done. This example is new to the market having been in a private collection for decades.

Available at $10,900.00

Unsigned John Gonter, Columbia, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, ca 1815

Many characteristics of this rifle relate to rifles signed by John Gonter during his time in Columbia (Wright's Ferry) Pennsylvania. In 1776 at the age of 14 John Gonter was excused from service in the Lancaster Militia to continue apprenticeship in the gunsmithing trade and to make guns for the Continental Army. After the war he established himself in Hagerstown, MD and took on many apprentices during the 1790"s. In 1801 he relocated to Cloumbia where this example was made. He then moved to Berks County in 1824.

Characteristics that help attribute the rifle are the graduated gouges in the stock, patchbox lid release located under toe plate, rounded back side plate, and buttstock architecture. The singular saw blade inlay below the cheekpiece may indicate ownership by a sawyer. John was creative in his designs using many different patchbox styles, carving designs, and unusual motifs. Another example of his work pictured on this website under "SOLD ITEMS" shows 2 intertwined serpents carved in relief on the stock. Notice the simiarities between the two rifles.

The rifle is in wonderful condition with minor wood replacements along the forestock. The lock (original to the rifle and signed "D DANA") has been professionally reconverted, and the rifled .40 cal barrel is restored to 45 inches.

Available at $7,950.00