3507

“AS FOUND” JACOB WELSHANS SIGNED CARVED & ENGRAVED

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
“AS FOUND” JACOB WELSHANS SIGNED CARVED & ENGRAVED
FLINTLOCK RIFLE, EX-KINDIG COLLECTION, CIRCA 1790. Cal. .44. NSN. 55.25” Overall, 44.5” oct. smoothbore bbl. signed in script “J. Welshans” between 2 signature crosses made from stamped stars. Fixed notch rear sight & inset brass blade front sight. This rifle is pictured & described in "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age" by Joe Kindig, Jr. 1960, (pages 345-347, No. 150). Jacob Welshans worked in York County & is listed in the tax records between 1779 & 1807. His shop built rifles for American battalion of riflemen in 1792 during George Washington’s 1st term as President. This elegant rifle is in beautiful condition w/ incised carved C-scrolls, incised perimeter lines & checkered wrist. Rifle is brass mounted w/ 4 piece engraved patch box. Engraving on sideplate is described by Kindig as “embryonic bird-- the wings but not the body”. There is a silver vacant thumb plate & engraved silver Hunter’s Star on cheekpiece. Toe plate has similar engraving on either side of patch box door release button. CONDITION: very good to fine overall, original flint, complete & original, iron is overall smooth mottled gray patina w/ pitting at breech & lock, crisp signature. Brass has a light to medium mustard patina, stock is solid, well fit except for wallowing around lock, 3 old hairline age cracks on right side of forestock, hand worn patina. Cock could not be pulled back & is frozen, appears untouched from when Kindig pictured in 1960, bore is clean & smooth. (01-18497/JS). ANTIQUE. $15,000-30,000.