 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
PENNSYLVANIA Full-Stock Rifle by Lewis Fondersmith
Guns International #: 100808976 Seller's Inventory #: 10332
Category: Antiques - Antique Rifles - Percussion
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1476
Total Number of Listings: 29973
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
Antique Lewis Fondersmith Full-Stock PA Long Rifle
Longrifle with Beautiful Ornate Brass Patchbox
Here we present an antique Full Stock Percussion Rifle, made circa the 1840s by Lewis Fondersmith of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
The American Longrifle, more commonly, but less correctly, known as the 'Kentucky rifle', was described by Captain John G. W. Dillin in the dedication to his seminal 1924 book, The Kentucky Rifle:
“From a flat bar of soft iron, hand forged into a gun barrel; laboriously bored and rifled with crude tools; fitted with a stock hewn from a maple tree in the neighboring forest; and supplied with a lock hammered to shape on the anvil; an unknown smith, in a shop long since silent, fashioned a rifle which changed the whole course of world history; made possible the settlement of a continent; and ultimately freed our country of foreign domination.
Light in weight; graceful in line; economical in consumption of powder and lead; fatally precise; distinctly American; it sprang into immediate popularity; and for a hundred years was a model often slightly varied but never radically changed.”
This flintlock rifle is in .45 caliber. It features a very long octagonal barrel with a silver blade front sight, as well as a large engraved patchbox. The side of the stock opposite the patchbox is carved. The lock is marked “L C & L/ Cincinnati”. The top of the barrel flat reads “L. Fondersmith S” for Lewis Fondersmith, possibly “Sr.”
The Fondersmiths made a tradition of gun-making after immigrating to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania from Pfüunstadt, Germany. Both John and his twin, Valentine, came with their parents at the age of 4 in 1750. Both became gun-makers, some of the very earliest in Lancaster. According to an article written by Glenn Marsh, M.D. called “Identifying a Kentucky Longrifle: The George Schreyere-John Fondersmith-JFS Connection”:
John was listed as a private third class, in Captain William Smith's Company, Lancaster County militia, first battalion, in 1770, 1781 and 1782. The Pennsylvania Archives reports that John Fondersmith secured a contract to supply 500 muskets to the State of Pennsylvania in January 1799. He is listed as the recipient of another contract for 500 muskets in April 1801. The Lancaster County Historical Society states that John was one of the early gunsmiths in Strasburg Township, Lancaster County, and was in business with his sons George and John, Jr.
Marsh goes on to say that Lewis and his brother Jacob were gunsmiths and likely the sons of John Jr.
Overall condition is good. The barrel wears a dark, even, brown patina. The brasswork bears a dark patina. Markings are clear and legible. The maple stock is highly figured and attractive with a few stable cracks. The bore is in good condition. The lock is a replacement, possibly converted from flintlock. The action is functional, but skips half cock. Set trigger is functional.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 44-1/2 inches in length.
Caliber: .45 percussion
The bore is in very good condition and the action is functional.
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Here is a great rifle from a great family, with pedigree dating back to the American Revolutionary War!
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
ancestryguns
$2850
#10332
SOLD
Antique: Yes