2383

SUPERB ATTIC CONDITION RIFLE SIGNED BY LANCASTER'S FAMOUS GUNSMITH MELCHOIR FORDNEY.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:8,750.00 USD Estimated At:17,500.00 - 25,500.00 USD
SUPERB ATTIC CONDITION RIFLE SIGNED BY LANCASTER'S FAMOUS GUNSMITH MELCHOIR FORDNEY.
NSN. 47" full oct smooth 58 Cal. bbl signed in script "M. Fordney". Four piece brass patchbox is engraved and its finial is very similar in design to rifle Number 40 in Kindig's Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age. Sideplates of the patchbox are engraved similar to Kindig's rifle Number 39. Patchbox lid engraving is close to Kindig's rifle Number 41. This rifle is unique in that the stock is chip carved between the patchbox sideplates and the lid. Wrist is checkered in the traditional Fordney style with feather carving extending forward from the lock and sideplate about 3-1/2". Very few gunsmiths in the relief carve period checkered their wrists. Brass sideplate is engraved like Kindig's rifle Number 40. Flint lock is stamped "Drepperd Lancaster" and is original flint. 2" brass nosecap is chevron engraved. Rear ramrod entrance ferrule is the typical Fordney style as shown on Kindig's p. 130. Rifle has a silver football shaped inlay on the wrist surrounded by an incise carved diamond and the inlay is monogrammed "J.G." probably for its original owner. Melchoir Fordney was one of the finest, though not one of the earliest, Lancaster gunsmiths who signed most of his work. Henry Lehman, one of the most prolific of the Lancaster gunsmiths, was apprenticed to Fordney in the 1820's. Fordney was a very good engraver who executed his engraving in varying depths to create the effect of shading. It is interesting to note in addition to his masterful gunsmithing talents Fordney is also remembered because a religious fanatic, John Haggerty, murdered Fordney with an axe. The murder occurred in Fordney's gun shop. Haggerty was found guilty of murder in the first degree and hanged despite much evidence that he was insane. CONDITION: Gun is in attic condition throughout with all its original finish and no imperfections other than the normal minor dings and scratches associated with most attic condition guns. 4-49176 RG80