EXCEPTIONAL CONTEMPORARY KEITH CASTEEL EARLY STYLE “KENTUCKY RIFLE”.

EXCEPTIONAL CONTEMPORARY KEITH CASTEEL EARLY STYLE “KENTUCKY RIFLE”. SN 283 (inside patchbox). Cal. 54. This eye-catching rifle has many features difficult to describe, so I’ll start with the builders description as notated on his “estimate of value”. “This rifle being built with a 36” .54 cal swamped barrel on a premium stock of “curly” walnut. Then furnished in solid sterling silver parts, hand cast for this rifle only … the wood patchbox is elegantly surrounded with silver floral rococo and silver wire to match the many inlays and wire work throughout the length of the stock. All parts are chisel engraved in relief to express the colonial art of the many hunting memories of old.” Details needing further description include an inlaid silver fleur-de-lis at breech end of bbl, gold bearded human face in full relief on breast of cock, along with relief chiseled vignettes of game on buttplate, plate return, sideplate, and trigger guard bow, including hunters stalking deer, hounds baying at treed bear, and another hunter shooting at bear. Relief carving at either end of rope carved bone inlaid cheekpiece, is exceptionally well done. Top of bbl is engraved “Keith Casteel” and lock under gold lined faceted pan is engraved “Casteel”. Triggers are double set. Keith Casteel has made over 300 fine quality flintlock rifles for many dignitaries including Charlton Heston, Sen. Murtha, Oran Hatch, James McClure, and James Baker. He estimates replacement cost of this rifle on 3/25/2000 as $23,000.00. PROVENANCE: Copy of certificate of ownership showing rifle was built for Tim Merchant and finished March 26, 2000 AD, and reverse with description, estimated value, and recommended loads. Contemporary Long Rifle Assn web page for Keith Casteel, picturing what appears to be this rifle. CONDITION: Excellent, As new. Frizzen showing only one or 2 flint strikes from test firing by maker. Otherwise unfired. 4-44185 MGM270 (8,000-12,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2012

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
	2341	$9,200.00	EXCEPTIONAL CONTEMPORARY KEITH CASTEEL EARLY STYLE “KENTUCKY RIFLE”. SN 283 (inside patchbox). Cal. 54. This eye-catching rifle has many features difficult to describe, so I’ll start with the builders description as notated on his “estimate of value”. “This rifle being built with a 36” .54 cal swamped barrel on a premium stock of “curly” walnut. Then furnished in solid sterling silver parts, hand cast for this rifle only … the wood patchbox is elegantly surrounded with silver floral rococo and silver wire to match the many inlays and wire work throughout the length of the stock. All parts are chisel engraved in relief to express the colonial art of the many hunting memories of old.” Details needing further description include an inlaid silver fleur-de-lis at breech end of bbl, gold bearded human face in full relief on breast of cock, along with relief chiseled vignettes of game on buttplate, plate return, sideplate, and trigger guard bow, including hunters stalking deer, hounds baying at treed bear, and another hunter shooting at bear. Relief carving at either end of rope carved bone inlaid cheekpiece, is exceptionally well done. Top of bbl is engraved “Keith Casteel” and lock under gold lined faceted pan is engraved “Casteel”. Triggers are double set. Keith Casteel has made over 300 fine quality flintlock rifles for many dignitaries including Charlton Heston, Sen. Murtha, Oran Hatch, James McClure, and James Baker. He estimates replacement cost of this rifle on 3/25/2000 as $23,000.00. PROVENANCE: Copy of certificate of ownership showing rifle was built for Tim Merchant and finished March 26, 2000 AD, and reverse with description, estimated value, and recommended loads. Contemporary Long Rifle Assn web page for Keith Casteel, picturing what appears to be this rifle. CONDITION: Excellent, As new. Frizzen showing only one or 2 flint strikes from test firing by maker. Otherwise unfired. 4-44185 MGM270 (8,000-12,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2012 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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