2351

EARLY RELIEF CARVED CHAMBERSBURG RIFLE SIGNED BY ABRAHAM SCHWEITZER.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:9,000.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 28,000.00 USD
EARLY RELIEF CARVED CHAMBERSBURG RIFLE SIGNED BY ABRAHAM SCHWEITZER.
NSN. 42-3/8" full oct 53 Cal. Smooth bbl signed in script by "A. Schweitzer". Rifle features the classic four piece brass engraved horse head patchbox often used by Schweitzer. Patchbox door release is hidden in the butt end of the upper patchbox plate. Rifle is profusely relief and incised carved on the cheekpiece side to the rear, under, and in front of the cheekpiece and is very nicely relief carved behind the bbl tang. Incised carving around the rear ramrod entrance pipe is well worn. Reconverted flint lock appears to be marked "Ketland & Company". Heavy beveled brass sideplate is not engraved. Abraham Schweitzer began his gunsmithing career in Lancaster, PA after which he relocated to Chambersburg, PA where he is sometimes referred to as the founder of the "Chambersburg School". Schweitzer married Elizabeth, daughter of the gunsmith Jacob Fordney, prior to 1795. Rifle shows a great deal of Lancaster County influence and this cataloger would believe it to be one of his earlier Chambersburg rifles. PROVENANCE: See Gunsmiths of Adams, Franklin and Cumberland Counties, Pennsylvania, by Whisker, p. 92; see Gunsmiths of Pen-Mar-Va, 1790-1840, by Bowers, p. 3; see Pennsylvania Gunmakers (A Collection), by Chandler & Whisker, p. 125; see Kentucky Rifle Patchboxes and Barrel Marks, 1971, by Chandler, p. 334, #659; see Notes on Abraham Schweitzer, Man at Arms, Vol. 7, No. 5, 1985, by Whisker, pp. 14 & 18. William S. Bowers' Collection. Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: 20" of forend wood has been replaced. Also a wood sliver replaced along the bbl on the left hand side. Other small wood repairs. Appears the bbl may have been shortened approximately 1-1/2" from the back. 4-49889 RG34