October 25th Auction at Cowan's: Part 4

18th Century Flintlock by J Graeff

.50 caliber, 45.25" swapped barrel. Ca 1780-1800. Barrel engraved in script J Graeff. Rear buckhorn sight with silver blade front sight. Barrel is fastened to the stock by four wedges. Original untouched flintlock. Engraved four-piece patchbox of daisy design. Brass buttplate, engraved brass sideplate, and brass triggerguard, ferules, and nosecap. Eight-point silver star inlaid on cheek piece; silver thumbprint behind tang. Finely striped curly maple stock with raised carving on the rear left side of butt running through the bottom of cheek piece, around the lock and the sideplate, behind the tang. Incised carved lines around the rear ramrod ferule on both sides, running down and parallel with the barrel and ramrod to the end at nosecap. John Graeff worked in Lancaster from 1770 until his death in 1804.

Condition: Barrel and lock are slightly pitted with a raised crust, brown and untouched. Markings are very sharp and clear. Stock in untouched with a deep dark red patina turning black. Stock has two splinters missing: one on the right side of stock parallel to the barrel about 8" from nosecap and is about 6.5" long and 3/8" wide; and one on the reverse side from nosecap running 8.50" back, tapering from front to back, 0.25" wide to 0.5" in the center. These two pieces have been missing a long time as they have blackened with stock and are untouched. Forward of the triggerguard and 1" behind the rear ferule is worn in a arch and has worn in to the ramrod channel as a result of carrying the rifle across a saddle. This rifle is in untouched condition. It is a great example of a "golden age"-made rifle that was carried during the period and used. 

1790's American Officer's Eagle Head Saber

28.5" x 1.5" blue and gold gilt blade with panoply of arms, 3/4 fuller, slotted guard. Blade marked Warranted indicating British mfg. Ebony handle with a couple small worm holes. Leather scabbard.

Condition: Retains ca 40-50% blue, 70% gold gilt.

Copy and Images from Cowan's Auctions.