RELIEF CARVED JOHN ARMSTRONG EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND FLINTLOCK RIFLE.

Cal. 50. Overall length 57″, 4-1/2″ x 1-3/8″ buttplate. 41-1/2″ full oct smooth bbl signed “John Armstrong” in a 2-1/2″ brass inlay on the top bbl flat. 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. 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. 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. 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: Fine. Properly reconverted lock. The forend has been cleaned and 13″ of forestock has been professionally replaced. Wood conserved between the lock and the bbl tang. 4-49898 (30,000-45,000) – Lot 3336

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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
	3336	$27,600.00	RELIEF CARVED JOHN ARMSTRONG EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND FLINTLOCK RIFLE. Cal. 50. Overall length 57″, 4-1/2″ x 1-3/8″ buttplate. 41-1/2″ full oct smooth bbl signed “John Armstrong” in a 2-1/2″ brass inlay on the top bbl flat. 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. 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. 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. 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: Fine. Properly reconverted lock. The forend has been cleaned and 13″ of forestock has been professionally replaced. Wood conserved between the lock and the bbl tang. 4-49898 (30,000-45,000) – Lot 3336 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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RELIEF CARVED JOHN ARMSTRONG EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND FLINTLOCK RIFLE.