Signed B Coles 1847, Benjamin Coles, Guernsey County, OH ca 1847
Benjamin Coles was born Ohio in 1815 and probably began working as a gunsmith about 1835. He moved to Warren County, Iowa in 1855 2 years after his 7th son, Lewis, was born. He then moved to Nora, Nebraska in 1880 and died there in 1890.
The rifle is quite decorative for the period and has an unusual capbox situated on the cheek piece. Notice the acorn finials at either end of the capbox. The rifled barrel is 37 inches and about .38 cal. The quality of curly maple is good and the surface is original and quite pleasing. Cracked through the wrist and repaired in period, the repair could be redone with better results. A 4 inch strip of wood is missing along the forestock and the trigger guard is missing. Pictured is a new guard which fits well. Ramrod is missing.
After successful restoration the piece will be more pleasing and valuable. This is the only rifle by Coles I've seen and is very good quality.
Available at $1,150.00
Signed J H Johnston, Waynesboro, PA ca 1835
J H Johnston varried little in his designs both in carving and patchbox. This rifle is signed in script on the barrel which is 42.5" (original length)and about .42 cal. Wild-grained maple was used making it an attractive stock. There is no wood replaced on the rifle, but the wrist is cracked and poorly repaird and a piece missing under the lock. Beautiful forestock molding on the quality of the York school is present and makes for a slender look the rifle.
Removing the glue in the cracked wrist, regluing, and replacing the missing sheild thumbplate would make the rifle quite nice. Though not cleaned or sanded it could use a bit of color to enhance the wonderful curly maple. It retains its original lock and all mounts are original. It is an attractive rifle in need of some work or it can be enjoyed as is.
Available at 1,950.00
Signed A * K, Berks County, PA ca 1820
Though unsigned we can be sure it was made in Berks County by an associate of Henry Mauger or John Derr. The barrel is 38" about .54 cal and has lost some of it's length at the breech where it was signed. The engraved block letter A is still apparent and the K is undisturbed; there is a flourish of simple lines engraved after the K. It appears that a fore arm plate was added later.
It was converted to percussion in the 1830's and retains its original lock marked J Shorthouse which could be reconverted back to flintlock. Restoration was started; a piece of wood by the sideplate has been added. The toeplate is missing along with other parts more visible in the photos. This project will take alot of work but will be worth it for the collector or restorer.
Available at $1,850.00
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