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EARLY NEW BERLIN FLINTLOCK RIFLE ATTRIBUTED TO

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,750.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 4,500.00 USD
EARLY NEW BERLIN FLINTLOCK RIFLE ATTRIBUTED TO

GEORGE KOLPITZER. Cal. 50 smooth bore. NSN. Bbl. 42 1/2" full oct. Overall length approx. 59". Buttstock 4" high, 1 1/2" wide. This very early New Berlin rifle has been attributed to George Kolpitzer due to its very early characteristics. There are several other area gunsmiths w/ the initials “GK” who later worked in the same area. Kolpitzer worked ca. 1817-1850. At the age of 60, he moved to Ohio where he was listed as a gunsmith. He was born in 1790 & his name was also spelt “Calpetser” in records. This gun has a very early German style hand forged flintlock. The 4 piece brass patch box has 8 piercings & is not engraved other than simple edge decoration along finial in box lid. Left hand side of butt is incise carved to rear of the cheekpiece. Sculptured heavy brass sideplate is also the early style. Maple stock is lightly curled. Bbl. is nicely signed in old German script “GK”. CONDITION: tail end of sideplate has been filed & pinned down possibly due to wood shrinkage. Sm. triangle of wood at the toe has been replaced & a 1 3/4" brass triangle has been inlet to the rear of the trigger guard. Bbl. signature is clearly visible & the 3 silver inlays along the forend seem to have been replaced. The ramrod seems impossible to remove, bound by bent rear thimble. This rifle is an example of a very early upper Susquehanna rifle school work. Mechanically functional w/ clear smooth bore. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. John Persing. (01-19533/RG). ANTIQUE. $3,500-4,500.