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Antique American Flintlock PA-KY Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:400.00 USD
Antique American Flintlock PA-KY Rifle
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Antique American Flintlock Pennsylvania-Kentucky Rifle, NVSN, .44 cal., 43" half-round half-octagonal barrel, with turned rings at the juncture and dovetailed low-blade front and simple-notch rear sights marked on top flat "S. Zimmerman" flanked by engraved scrolls; washer-style lockplate is similar to those used on military arms, with long pointed tail marked "Ketland & Co." in script ahead of the flint cock and "United/States" in two vertical curved lines behind; brass furniture including two fan-shaped sideplate escutcheons, faceted military-style triggerguard with long finger-grip rear tang, crescent buttplate with elongated lower tang, and three faceted ferrules retaining the brass-tipped hardwood ramrod; varnished tiger-striped walnut fullstock with long raised aprons on either side of lock and a carved cheekpiece. Appears to be in original flintlock configuration with unbushed touchhole. S. Zimmerman was a gunsmith in Westmoreland County, PA, from 1827-1833. (See the book, "Arms Makers of Western Pennsylvania", pages 54 & 159.) Condition is very good, barrel with a deep, dark brown age patina and scattered erosion; lockplate mostly smooth gunmetal gray-brown; brass with aged patina. Stock is sound showing much original striping, normal signs of age and use, and perhaps a later coat of varnish. Markings are clear; action is extremely tight; smoothbore is clean. Ketland & Co. were Thomas, Jr. and John, sons of the original Thomas Ketland (began gunmaking in London c. 1760), who were Philadelphia merchant princes; arms were a small part of their business. Est.: $800-$1,200. (Antique)