RELIEF CARVED AND SIGNED WOLMESDORF JOHN BONEWITZ KENTUCKY RIFLE.

RELIEF CARVED AND SIGNED WOLMESDORF JOHN BONEWITZ KENTUCKY RIFLE. SN NSN. 41-1/2″ full oct 60 caliber smooth bbl stamped “IB” at the breech for John Bonewitz. Rifle has a four piece engraved typical Bonewitz style patchbox. Patchbox lid catch is fastened by two rivets and the patchbox finial is identical to the one pictured in figure 6 of John Bonewitz’s Primer of Sophia by Lorentz Kafka published in the spring 1994 Kentucky Rifle Association bulletin as well as the patchbox on Kindig’s rifle number 80. This rifle has a wavy carved detail under the cheekpiece, indicative of Bonewitz. John Bonewitz is one of the most collectible of the early Heidelberg Township, Berks County gunsmiths. Bonewitz rarely signed his rifles but this rifle is stamped “I.B.” near the breech with a small die. Some of Bonewitz’s existing rifles are stamped with the “I.B.” and rampant lion while others have only the “I.B.” stamp. This “I.B.” stamping is unlike the one used with the lion as shown on the cover of the Kentucky Rifle Association Bulletin Vol. 29 No. 2. This cataloger is not familiar with this “I.B.” stamping. Brass furniture and heavy beveled brass sideplate are all typical of Bonewitz’s work and the trigger design is similar to Bonewitz’s rifle number 78 in Kindig. Relief carving is beautifully composed of C scrolls and is very similar to that found on the majority of Bonewitz’s guns. Bonewitz’s carving designs are similar to those attributed to J. Haga. Relief carving on cheek side of the butt forward and rear of the cheekpiece is very deep and attractively executed. There is heavy relief carving around the barrel tang and incised carving surrounding the rear ramrod pipe. Flint lock is not marked. Rifle is 57 5/8″ in overall length. PROVENANCE: The James Milton, California Collection. Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: Wood restoration on this rifle from the lock to the nosecap. Entire butt end of the stock and its very attractive and deep carving are exceptionally well done and original. Flint lock has been reconverted. 4-49834 RG32 (15,000-25,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2013

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
	2372	$0.00	RELIEF CARVED AND SIGNED WOLMESDORF JOHN BONEWITZ KENTUCKY RIFLE. SN NSN. 41-1/2″ full oct 60 caliber smooth bbl stamped “IB” at the breech for John Bonewitz. Rifle has a four piece engraved typical Bonewitz style patchbox. Patchbox lid catch is fastened by two rivets and the patchbox finial is identical to the one pictured in figure 6 of John Bonewitz’s Primer of Sophia by Lorentz Kafka published in the spring 1994 Kentucky Rifle Association bulletin as well as the patchbox on Kindig’s rifle number 80. This rifle has a wavy carved detail under the cheekpiece, indicative of Bonewitz. John Bonewitz is one of the most collectible of the early Heidelberg Township, Berks County gunsmiths. Bonewitz rarely signed his rifles but this rifle is stamped “I.B.” near the breech with a small die. Some of Bonewitz’s existing rifles are stamped with the “I.B.” and rampant lion while others have only the “I.B.” stamp. This “I.B.” stamping is unlike the one used with the lion as shown on the cover of the Kentucky Rifle Association Bulletin Vol. 29 No. 2. This cataloger is not familiar with this “I.B.” stamping. Brass furniture and heavy beveled brass sideplate are all typical of Bonewitz’s work and the trigger design is similar to Bonewitz’s rifle number 78 in Kindig. Relief carving is beautifully composed of C scrolls and is very similar to that found on the majority of Bonewitz’s guns. Bonewitz’s carving designs are similar to those attributed to J. Haga. Relief carving on cheek side of the butt forward and rear of the cheekpiece is very deep and attractively executed. There is heavy relief carving around the barrel tang and incised carving surrounding the rear ramrod pipe. Flint lock is not marked. Rifle is 57 5/8″ in overall length. PROVENANCE: The James Milton, California Collection. Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: Wood restoration on this rifle from the lock to the nosecap. Entire butt end of the stock and its very attractive and deep carving are exceptionally well done and original. Flint lock has been reconverted. 4-49834 RG32 (15,000-25,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2013 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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