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FINE NEW ENGLAND STYLE FLINTLOCK RIFLE, MOST

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
FINE NEW ENGLAND STYLE FLINTLOCK RIFLE, MOST

LIKELY BY RUFUS PERKINS OF BRIDGEWATER, MA. Cal. 52. NSN. The 39" tapered rnd. bbl. is fitted w/ "U" notch rear & brass front sights dovetailed through. Left rear of bbl. is stamped "P", "M", "RP" (Rufus Perkins) & "1815". Trade lock engraved "J&W" & "RICHARDS" has rebated tail, serpentine cock, semi-waterproof integral pan, bridled friction frizzen & feather spring w/ spear finial. Lock plate has some line border engraving. Full length stock w/ brass cap is of stump figured American walnut & is pinned to bbl. Stock has a nicely moulded sm. right hand cheekpiece. Rifle is brass mounted including faceted trigger guard w/ finger spur, typical New England style sideplates. Buttplate w/ slight crescent has 4 1/2" return. A simple rectangular patchbox w/ doll's head finial has cover retained by a hidden catch w/ pressure point on return. Hardwood ramrod is held by 2 octagonal beaded pipes & matching thimble. Stock is marked "A. PERKINS" on toeline behind trigger guard tang. CONDITION: fine. Bbl. retaining traces of what appears to be original brown w/ some scattered pitting. Lock is gray to brown w/ some cleaned highlights. Brass is nicely toned. Stock retains most of an old glossy oil finish, possibly original w/ numerous marks & light scratches. There is an old repair at bottom of wrist between tail of lockplate & rear of trigger guard bow w/ inset rectangular piece. Bore is good, somewhat pitted throughout. Rifling is strong. Lock is operable. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of James B. Taylor. (01-20541/MGM). ANTIQUE. $3,000-4,000.