1497

ABRAHAM SCHWEITZER CHAMBERSBURG SCHOOL RELIEF CARVED RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:8,750.00 USD Estimated At:17,500.00 - 35,000.00 USD
ABRAHAM SCHWEITZER CHAMBERSBURG SCHOOL RELIEF CARVED RIFLE.
This extremely desirable rifle has a 41 O inch full octagon .50 caliber rifled barrel signed A. Schweitzer. The patch box engraving along the upper and lower edges of the door and the engraved details in the center of the lid suggest this rifle was made in the Chambersburg area. The patch box has wood showing between the lid and the plates similar to later Lancaster type rifles. Abraham Schweitzer was located in Lancaster Pennsylvania in 1794 but relocated to Antrim Township, Franklin County PA in 1804. He is found in the Chambersburg tax lists in 1805 through 1823. It is interesting to note Abraham married Melchoir Fordneyís Sister Elizabeth. The riflesí brass engraved side plate design is typical of existing Sweitzer rifles from the Chambersburg area. The silver oval cheek piece inlay features a charming and well done engraved American eagle. The cheek piece is far forward as is typical of Sweitzers' work. The rifle is profusely relief carved on the cheek side of the butt, forward of the patch box and at the barrel tang. All of Sweitzersí carving is excellent in design and execution flowing in nicely carved C-scrolls, tendrils and flowers. The ramrod ferrules are 2 O inches long and the rifle features six silver inlays. CONDITION: The rifle is in honest and original condition throughout. The percussion lock has been converted from flint. There are barely visible hair line cracks in the fore stock on both sides at the muzzle. There is a shrinkage crack in the stock at the toe that has been repaired in period and the rifle is in used, but not abused, condition throughout. 4-48259 RGG12