EXTREMELY RARE, ONE OF A KIND, PERCUSSION JOHN ARMSTRONG EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND RELIEF CARVED RIFLE SIGNED AND DATED IN PEN AND INK ON THE STOCK UNDER THE BUTTPLATE BY THE GUNSMITH.

Cal. 45. Overall length 58-1/4″, 4-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ buttplate. 42-1/2″ full oct rifled bbl signed “John Armstrong” in a brass plate inlet into the top flat of the bbl. This rifle is unique in that it is the only known Armstrong rifle to have been signed and dated in pen and ink on the stock by the gunsmith. Under the buttplate the rifle is handsigned “John Armstrong November 1836”. Maryland’s John Armstrong is considered by most to be one of the foremost artisans of the golden age. Armstrong was the creme de la creme, creating designs emulated by rifle makers everywhere. Most of his early rifle bbls were handmade. This rifle’s large engraved brass 4-pc patchbox has 3 piercings and the door is engraved with Armstrong’s characteristic two crossing vines. Fine grade curly maple stock with pronounced comb is carved behind cheekpiece in a high relief motif of interlacing branches. Large “C” scrolls cross over the tight radius curves of the smaller bottom scrolls. Area under cheekpiece is elevated and checkered. Carving at front of cheekpiece correlates in design with butt carving. Relief carving extends forward from lock and sideplate in feather like tapered flutes where each feathered area is slightly concave. This is a characteristic Armstrong feature. Rifle is relief carved behind bbl tang with vine like designs carried over from butt carving. Relief carving to rear of rear ramrod pipe is sharp and crisp, extending 2-3/4″ from the pipe. The entire forstock molding along the ramrod channel is deep and elegantly accomplished. Armstrong’s innovative, stylish rifle features are evident on this rifle. Large silver oval cheekpiece inlay is engraved with a classic spread eagle with shield surrounded by an engraved border. Long elegant handmade lock is engraved “JA”. Armstrong’s locks had internal mechanisms as precise as a clock’s movement. The outside of the lock has beveled edges and graceful hammer. Armstrong was born September 5, 1772 in Adams County, PA just north of the Maryland border. He settled in Emmitsburg, Maryland where he practiced his trade. The many features Armstrong brought into being with his meticulous workmanship produced immaculate rifles. As Joe Kindig states in his book, Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in it’s Golden Age, “John Armstrong’s workmanship is magnificent, and his designs are just about perfection. I cannot overemphasize the beauty of his rifles”. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: Excellent. This rare rifle is in perfect condition throughout with the exception of 11″ of forend wood which has been professionally replaced at the muzzle end of the rifle. The fact wood and barrel have been stretched on a rifle. This perfect suggests the rifle had been sporterized in period. The rifle was returned to its original length by Carl Pippert in the second half of the 20th century. Pippert is recognized as one of the best in the restoration field. 4-49838 RG10 (40,000-75,000) – Lot 3332

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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
	3332	$0.00	EXTREMELY RARE, ONE OF A KIND, PERCUSSION JOHN ARMSTRONG EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND RELIEF CARVED RIFLE SIGNED AND DATED IN PEN AND INK ON THE STOCK UNDER THE BUTTPLATE BY THE GUNSMITH. Cal. 45. Overall length 58-1/4″, 4-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ buttplate. 42-1/2″ full oct rifled bbl signed “John Armstrong” in a brass plate inlet into the top flat of the bbl. This rifle is unique in that it is the only known Armstrong rifle to have been signed and dated in pen and ink on the stock by the gunsmith. Under the buttplate the rifle is handsigned “John Armstrong November 1836”. Maryland’s John Armstrong is considered by most to be one of the foremost artisans of the golden age. Armstrong was the creme de la creme, creating designs emulated by rifle makers everywhere. Most of his early rifle bbls were handmade. This rifle’s large engraved brass 4-pc patchbox has 3 piercings and the door is engraved with Armstrong’s characteristic two crossing vines. Fine grade curly maple stock with pronounced comb is carved behind cheekpiece in a high relief motif of interlacing branches. Large “C” scrolls cross over the tight radius curves of the smaller bottom scrolls. Area under cheekpiece is elevated and checkered. Carving at front of cheekpiece correlates in design with butt carving. Relief carving extends forward from lock and sideplate in feather like tapered flutes where each feathered area is slightly concave. This is a characteristic Armstrong feature. Rifle is relief carved behind bbl tang with vine like designs carried over from butt carving. Relief carving to rear of rear ramrod pipe is sharp and crisp, extending 2-3/4″ from the pipe. The entire forstock molding along the ramrod channel is deep and elegantly accomplished. Armstrong’s innovative, stylish rifle features are evident on this rifle. Large silver oval cheekpiece inlay is engraved with a classic spread eagle with shield surrounded by an engraved border. Long elegant handmade lock is engraved “JA”. Armstrong’s locks had internal mechanisms as precise as a clock’s movement. The outside of the lock has beveled edges and graceful hammer. Armstrong was born September 5, 1772 in Adams County, PA just north of the Maryland border. He settled in Emmitsburg, Maryland where he practiced his trade. The many features Armstrong brought into being with his meticulous workmanship produced immaculate rifles. As Joe Kindig states in his book, Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in it’s Golden Age, “John Armstrong’s workmanship is magnificent, and his designs are just about perfection. I cannot overemphasize the beauty of his rifles”. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: Excellent. This rare rifle is in perfect condition throughout with the exception of 11″ of forend wood which has been professionally replaced at the muzzle end of the rifle. The fact wood and barrel have been stretched on a rifle. This perfect suggests the rifle had been sporterized in period. The rifle was returned to its original length by Carl Pippert in the second half of the 20th century. Pippert is recognized as one of the best in the restoration field. 4-49838 RG10 (40,000-75,000) – Lot 3332 \| 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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EXTREMELY RARE, ONE OF A KIND, PERCUSSION JOHN ARMSTRONG EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND RELIEF CARVED RIFLE SIGNED AND DATED IN PEN AND INK ON THE STOCK UNDER THE BUTTPLATE BY THE GUNSMITH.