IMPORTANT “TEMPLETON REID” RIFLE “A RARITY AMONG RARITIES”.

Cal. 58. 38″ oct bbl. This walnut half-stock rifle with all silver mountings, some unique in design, is currently the only known rifle by Templeton Reid, whose real fame came from his reputation as a private mint maker of Gold coins, which today bring astronomical sums when sold. Reid was a native of North Carolina, re-locating to Georgia which became his home state, living in Milledgeville until 1830 when he moved to Gainesvile where he opened his private gold minting business. After a very short term, he returned to his former town and then in 1836, he moved to Columbus, GA to open a factory for the production of improved “cotton gins”. The factory burned down in 1846. He died in Columbus, GA in 1851, at the age of 66. This half-stock rifle is the only one currently known. Early on he was a blacksmith, watch maker, and a gunsmith. Undoubtedly, this rifle was made somewhat early in his career, as it was originally made as a flintlock, and is now in percussion mode. This unique rifle shows his creativity as his use of the silver mountings to contrast with the finely grained walnut stock was a perfect selection. The lockplate has an inlaid gold cartouche with his name “REID” engraved upon it. On the rear portion of the iron bbl is a 3″ long gold overlay to protect three flats of the bbl from corrosion. The use of silver mountings is not uncommon in the early 19th century, but it was more costly. The cast silver trigger guard is attached to a fire-blued trigger plate which extends forward of the bow, forming the finial of the guard. The fire-blued iron finial is finely engraved in the shape of an acorn. The silver patchbox has as its finial the shape of a gorget. often worn by the local Native Americans. The gorget form is that of a quarter-moon or the crescent form of a halberd. The flanking sideplates are contiguous with the upper buttplate and the silver toeplate (which appears to be a replacement). The obverse side has the similar type of a scalloped silver inlay running from the buttplate to the toeplate filling the very rear of the buttstock. There is a silver cheekpiece star and a lozenge-shaped inlay on the top of the comb. Actually, the very back of the buttplate itself is brass, completely enclosed by a piece of overlaid silver, thus-meeting the inlaid silver on the walnut butt. However, another outstanding feature is the careful use of a myriad of small silver nails in the center of each “cross-hatch” on the wrist “checkering”. In addition to the lockplate, Reid also placed his name on the upper bbl flat. Both of the forearm keys are secured by silver escutcheons (The practice of using two bbl keys/wedges in the forearm are akin to the classic “Plains Rifle” methods). In 1839, T. Reid challenged-by public notice-anyone who wished to compete in a target shoot in Columbus. Indeed, it would be a challenge to find another rifle by this foremost individual, recognized by his acclaim as a Gold Minter. There is a distinct possibility that this rifle was the personal possession of Templeton Reid. PROVENANCE: Ex-collection of Cecil Anderson in Conley, GA. Greene Museum of Southern History. CONDITION: Very fine. The walnut stock has two slivers missing on the right side of the forearm and a slight wear-through of the ramrod on the underside of the forearm. The only replacement is the silver toeplate. The walnut stock has a warm patina and is indicative of an orig surface. 4-54257 SDH16 (20,000-50,000) – Lot 3341

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Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	3341	$25,300.00	IMPORTANT “TEMPLETON REID” RIFLE “A RARITY AMONG RARITIES”. Cal. 58. 38″ oct bbl. This walnut half-stock rifle with all silver mountings, some unique in design, is currently the only known rifle by Templeton Reid, whose real fame came from his reputation as a private mint maker of Gold coins, which today bring astronomical sums when sold. Reid was a native of North Carolina, re-locating to Georgia which became his home state, living in Milledgeville until 1830 when he moved to Gainesvile where he opened his private gold minting business. After a very short term, he returned to his former town and then in 1836, he moved to Columbus, GA to open a factory for the production of improved “cotton gins”. The factory burned down in 1846. He died in Columbus, GA in 1851, at the age of 66. This half-stock rifle is the only one currently known. Early on he was a blacksmith, watch maker, and a gunsmith. Undoubtedly, this rifle was made somewhat early in his career, as it was originally made as a flintlock, and is now in percussion mode. This unique rifle shows his creativity as his use of the silver mountings to contrast with the finely grained walnut stock was a perfect selection. The lockplate has an inlaid gold cartouche with his name “REID” engraved upon it. On the rear portion of the iron bbl is a 3″ long gold overlay to protect three flats of the bbl from corrosion. The use of silver mountings is not uncommon in the early 19th century, but it was more costly. The cast silver trigger guard is attached to a fire-blued trigger plate which extends forward of the bow, forming the finial of the guard. The fire-blued iron finial is finely engraved in the shape of an acorn. The silver patchbox has as its finial the shape of a gorget. often worn by the local Native Americans. The gorget form is that of a quarter-moon or the crescent form of a halberd. The flanking sideplates are contiguous with the upper buttplate and the silver toeplate (which appears to be a replacement). The obverse side has the similar type of a scalloped silver inlay running from the buttplate to the toeplate filling the very rear of the buttstock. There is a silver cheekpiece star and a lozenge-shaped inlay on the top of the comb. Actually, the very back of the buttplate itself is brass, completely enclosed by a piece of overlaid silver, thus-meeting the inlaid silver on the walnut butt. However, another outstanding feature is the careful use of a myriad of small silver nails in the center of each “cross-hatch” on the wrist “checkering”. In addition to the lockplate, Reid also placed his name on the upper bbl flat. Both of the forearm keys are secured by silver escutcheons (The practice of using two bbl keys/wedges in the forearm are akin to the classic “Plains Rifle” methods). In 1839, T. Reid challenged-by public notice-anyone who wished to compete in a target shoot in Columbus. Indeed, it would be a challenge to find another rifle by this foremost individual, recognized by his acclaim as a Gold Minter. There is a distinct possibility that this rifle was the personal possession of Templeton Reid. PROVENANCE: Ex-collection of Cecil Anderson in Conley, GA. Greene Museum of Southern History. CONDITION: Very fine. The walnut stock has two slivers missing on the right side of the forearm and a slight wear-through of the ramrod on the underside of the forearm. The only replacement is the silver toeplate. The walnut stock has a warm patina and is indicative of an orig surface. 4-54257 SDH16 (20,000-50,000) – Lot 3341 Click here to view provenance Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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IMPORTANT “TEMPLETON REID” RIFLE “A RARITY AMONG RARITIES”.