3506 VERY FINE WELCOME MATHEWSON SIGNED RHODE ISLAND

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This item SOLD at 2022 Nov 06 @ 18:30UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 2,000.00 USD
Estimated at 4,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD

FULLSTOCK KENTUCKY FLINTLOCK RIFLE, circa 1810. Cal. 50. NSN. 59” overall, 42.5” octagonal barrel, signed “W Mathewson”, cherry stock, brass furniture, 4-piece patch box with “horsehead” finial, silver wire inlays, raised engraved oval thumb plate, Ketland lock. This is a beautiful “Attic condition” original flint rifle with best surfaces possible for 200 year old rifle. Wonderful maker, of great quality. An Antique Road Show segment showed Mathewson rifle still owned by family descendants which was appraised for $100,000, that would be a record for New England rifle.
Welcome Mathewson (1778-1872) was active in Burrilville, Rhode Island as gunmaker early 19th century, among the few makers to use silver wire and stock in cherry. CONDITION: fine overall, “as found” dark mottled plum iron patina, brass medium mustard, stock has good color and hand worn patina, old tacked chip repair rear of cheek piece. Mechanics fine, crisp rifled bore. (01-21764/JS). ANTIQUE. $4,000-5,000.