EXCEPTIONAL RELIEF CARVED GOLDEN AGE PETER BERRY KENTUCKY RIFLE.

EXCEPTIONAL RELIEF CARVED GOLDEN AGE PETER BERRY KENTUCKY RIFLE. .54 cal smooth bore. This fine relief-carved Kentucky rifle, with its 43-5/8” long full oct bbl and signed “P. Berry” in script on the top bbl flat, and exhibits all the classic characteristics used by this highly-regarded Pennsylvania gunsmith. Peter Berry rarely changed his style, using the same brass fittings such as his buttplate, triggerguard, and signature sideplate throughout his career. Also, his relief-carvings and incised details only varied slightly so that even unsigned specimens are quite attributable. He used very robust C-scroll patterns around the high cheekpieces and bbl tangs and also used very fine buttstock and forestock moldings. In particular, his typical broad teardrop lobes around the flintlock and sideplate panels are easily recognizable. His brass patchboxes, especially, are seen as another one of his signature hallmarks because they always exhibit multiple piercings and a 4-petaled flower as the finial, and have an overall gracefulness. Along with the domed patchbox lid, Peter Berry used a rectangular iron release button on his toeplate to open the lid. Most gunsmiths preferred the rnd iron button and very infrequently used this detail. Architecturally this rifle follows his classic profile of a long slender wrist leading into a graceful “Roman-nose” buttstock, all of which contributes to the rifle’s overall long, slender appearance. Peter Berry worked in the small town of Annville, west of Lebanon and is listed in the Dauphin County, PA tax records as a gunsmith. It was once thought that he died in 1796, but subsequent research indicates that he worked into the first quarter of the 19th C. Throughout his career, his rifles only varied in occasional details, but he was very consistent in his style. The late highly esteemed Joe Kindig, Jr., in his landmark publication “Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age” (published 1960), stated, “Peter Berry was an exceptionally fine maker of long slender guns with beautiful patchboxes and unusually fine carving. He should be considered a grand gunsmith.” CONDITION: Both the “hand-forged” flintlock and the full oct bbl show every appearance of being orig flint and an orig steel bushing in the bbl’s touchhole is evident. Some minor wood conservation was performed by David Wagner, now deceased, a Colonial Williamsburg gunsmith who replaced the missing brass nose-cap and 3-3/8” of wood on the upper right hand side of the forend and also a 9-1/2” of wood on the upper left hand side. Both these repairs are visible only on close inspection. At one time during the rifle’s period of usage, a brass plate had been applied over the front of the trigger guard and around the front of the lock and sideplate that was held with very small screws, securing an old break at the lock-trigger guard area. This plate has been removed, the break secured, and tiny pieces of wood neatly inlaid into the screw holes. All of this work is only visible upon close inspection, as is a small sliver above the front of the flintlock. Overall, the entire stock retains its integrity, with only the above noted exceptions. This conservation enhances the appearance of this long, slender, graceful rifle. The overall condition of this Kentucky rifle, along with its warm rich color, graceful architecture, and eye-pleasing decorations, make this Peter Berry rifle a classic and desirable example of this renowned gunsmith’s workmanship. 4-39759 RG18 (30,000-45,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2010

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
	2582	$0.00	EXCEPTIONAL RELIEF CARVED GOLDEN AGE PETER BERRY KENTUCKY RIFLE. .54 cal smooth bore. This fine relief-carved Kentucky rifle, with its 43-5/8” long full oct bbl and signed “P. Berry” in script on the top bbl flat, and exhibits all the classic characteristics used by this highly-regarded Pennsylvania gunsmith. Peter Berry rarely changed his style, using the same brass fittings such as his buttplate, triggerguard, and signature sideplate throughout his career. Also, his relief-carvings and incised details only varied slightly so that even unsigned specimens are quite attributable. He used very robust C-scroll patterns around the high cheekpieces and bbl tangs and also used very fine buttstock and forestock moldings. In particular, his typical broad teardrop lobes around the flintlock and sideplate panels are easily recognizable. His brass patchboxes, especially, are seen as another one of his signature hallmarks because they always exhibit multiple piercings and a 4-petaled flower as the finial, and have an overall gracefulness. Along with the domed patchbox lid, Peter Berry used a rectangular iron release button on his toeplate to open the lid. Most gunsmiths preferred the rnd iron button and very infrequently used this detail. Architecturally this rifle follows his classic profile of a long slender wrist leading into a graceful “Roman-nose” buttstock, all of which contributes to the rifle’s overall long, slender appearance. Peter Berry worked in the small town of Annville, west of Lebanon and is listed in the Dauphin County, PA tax records as a gunsmith. It was once thought that he died in 1796, but subsequent research indicates that he worked into the first quarter of the 19th C. Throughout his career, his rifles only varied in occasional details, but he was very consistent in his style. The late highly esteemed Joe Kindig, Jr., in his landmark publication “Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age” (published 1960), stated, “Peter Berry was an exceptionally fine maker of long slender guns with beautiful patchboxes and unusually fine carving. He should be considered a grand gunsmith.” CONDITION: Both the “hand-forged” flintlock and the full oct bbl show every appearance of being orig flint and an orig steel bushing in the bbl’s touchhole is evident. Some minor wood conservation was performed by David Wagner, now deceased, a Colonial Williamsburg gunsmith who replaced the missing brass nose-cap and 3-3/8” of wood on the upper right hand side of the forend and also a 9-1/2” of wood on the upper left hand side. Both these repairs are visible only on close inspection. At one time during the rifle’s period of usage, a brass plate had been applied over the front of the trigger guard and around the front of the lock and sideplate that was held with very small screws, securing an old break at the lock-trigger guard area. This plate has been removed, the break secured, and tiny pieces of wood neatly inlaid into the screw holes. All of this work is only visible upon close inspection, as is a small sliver above the front of the flintlock. Overall, the entire stock retains its integrity, with only the above noted exceptions. This conservation enhances the appearance of this long, slender, graceful rifle. The overall condition of this Kentucky rifle, along with its warm rich color, graceful architecture, and eye-pleasing decorations, make this Peter Berry rifle a classic and desirable example of this renowned gunsmith’s workmanship. 4-39759 RG18 (30,000-45,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2010 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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