FAMOUS VERY EARLY LANCASTER KENTUCKY GUN SIGNED “MARTIN MEILLIN IN GERMANTAUN 1705” POSSIBLY THE EARLIEST SIGNED AND DATED KENTUCKY.

Cal. 65 smooth. This very gun was written up in a 7 page article in the winter 1978 Kentucky Rifle Association Bulletin. This Martin Meillin is listed in the Lancaster Assessment List of 1718. There was at the time of the article’s writing, and still is, a great deal of controversy among experts as to the signature and whether or not Meillin was in fact ever a gunsmith. If we assume this rifle is authentic it could very possibly be the earliest signed and dated Kentucky in existence. The rifle is distinctly European in its appearance, as would be expected in a rifle made this early. 62″ overall. The flintlock rifle has a 47″ oct to rnd smooth bore bbl signed “Martin Meillin in Germantaun 1705”. The brass engraved buttplate and trigger guard are identical to the well known Edward Marshall (Walking Purchase)rifle. The furniture is French in origin, as evidenced by the use of the fluted scallop shell edge to embellish the rococco (C scrolls became quite popular in France in the 2nd quarter of the 18th Century). The scallop shell design was used very frequently in the 17th Century as well. The bbls of this Meillin gun and the Marshall gun are practically identical, except this gun is smooth bore while the Marshall is rifled. The simple relief carving on the butt to the rear of the elongated cheekpiece, as well as the carving behind the bbl tang and rear ramrod entrance ferrule, are of the European style. In the beginning of the 18th Century most guns produced in the Colonies used a variety of European parts and generally have had repairs. The gun stock appears to be European walnut, a favorite wood for Yaeger gunsmiths, which at this early date could have been brought to this country for use by gunsmiths. Debates concerning the originality of this particular gun and about Meillin are sure to continue long into the future. PROVENANCE: We are told this was at one time in the Renwick Collection and later the Dick Headly Collection. Now from the Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: Generally very good. Very early 3-1/2″ repair at the rear ramrod entrance pipe. It is possible the forend wood may be replaced from that break forward and has a few clivers of wood missing at the muzzle. Carving in buttstock are in very nice shape, showing the bruises and bumps expected in a 250 year old gun. 4-50086 (10,000-50,000) – Lot 3352

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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
	3352	$40,250.00	FAMOUS VERY EARLY LANCASTER KENTUCKY GUN SIGNED “MARTIN MEILLIN IN GERMANTAUN 1705” POSSIBLY THE EARLIEST SIGNED AND DATED KENTUCKY. Cal. 65 smooth. This very gun was written up in a 7 page article in the winter 1978 Kentucky Rifle Association Bulletin. This Martin Meillin is listed in the Lancaster Assessment List of 1718. There was at the time of the article’s writing, and still is, a great deal of controversy among experts as to the signature and whether or not Meillin was in fact ever a gunsmith. If we assume this rifle is authentic it could very possibly be the earliest signed and dated Kentucky in existence. The rifle is distinctly European in its appearance, as would be expected in a rifle made this early. 62″ overall. The flintlock rifle has a 47″ oct to rnd smooth bore bbl signed “Martin Meillin in Germantaun 1705”. The brass engraved buttplate and trigger guard are identical to the well known Edward Marshall (Walking Purchase)rifle. The furniture is French in origin, as evidenced by the use of the fluted scallop shell edge to embellish the rococco (C scrolls became quite popular in France in the 2nd quarter of the 18th Century). The scallop shell design was used very frequently in the 17th Century as well. The bbls of this Meillin gun and the Marshall gun are practically identical, except this gun is smooth bore while the Marshall is rifled. The simple relief carving on the butt to the rear of the elongated cheekpiece, as well as the carving behind the bbl tang and rear ramrod entrance ferrule, are of the European style. In the beginning of the 18th Century most guns produced in the Colonies used a variety of European parts and generally have had repairs. The gun stock appears to be European walnut, a favorite wood for Yaeger gunsmiths, which at this early date could have been brought to this country for use by gunsmiths. Debates concerning the originality of this particular gun and about Meillin are sure to continue long into the future. PROVENANCE: We are told this was at one time in the Renwick Collection and later the Dick Headly Collection. Now from the Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: Generally very good. Very early 3-1/2″ repair at the rear ramrod entrance pipe. It is possible the forend wood may be replaced from that break forward and has a few clivers of wood missing at the muzzle. Carving in buttstock are in very nice shape, showing the bruises and bumps expected in a 250 year old gun. 4-50086 (10,000-50,000) – Lot 3352 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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FAMOUS VERY EARLY LANCASTER KENTUCKY GUN SIGNED “MARTIN MEILLIN IN GERMANTAUN 1705” POSSIBLY THE EARLIEST SIGNED AND DATED KENTUCKY.