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Antique Primitive R. Kern Jailer Barrel Key Gun - 1850's Matchlock Black Powder with Lancaster, Pa Maker's Markings
Guns International #: 101348253 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Antique Pistols - Percussion - Civil War Pistols
Seller's Information
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Seller: democat973
Member Since: 11/26/19
First Name: Anthony
Last Name: Formica
State: Pennsylvania
Zip: 19508
Country: United States
Phone: (610) 476-6803
Fax: (610) 404-7377
Number of Active Listings: 29
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Return policy only valid if item received not as described - Any item returned not in same condition as photgraphed when shipped will not be refunded
Payment Types Accepted: Certified bank check, cashiers check, money order, will accept personal checks & business checks but must clear before shipment - Accept Visa & Mastercard but add 2.5% credit card fees
Description:
Antique Jailers Key Gun. It is stamped with R Kern on the hammer. It is a matchlock style Black Powder. It is .32 Caliber. It was Manufactured in the 1850's By Reinhard Kern from Lancaster, PA USA. He was a licensed gun maker along with his brother Fredrick R Kern and his father Daniel Kern all from Pennsylvania. His father was licensed in 1776 and made flintlock Kentucky rifles in 1776. This was a functional key in the jails and were made as a gun to deter captors from attacking the jailer. Key Gun is made out of solid brass. This one has for sure with certainly been fired in the past, as it still has powder residue in the barrel, has had a small hole repaired with solder many years ago, and now has another small hole about 1 3/4 inches from end of the barrel. This firearm is sold as a primitive original antique manufactured prior to 1899, and does not require FFL, however it is being sold as not to be fired, as prior Civil War manufactured collectible. The key is 8.5 in long. The handle is 3.5 in tall. It is 3/4 in thick. All pictures are part of my description. The markings and makers where gathered off the US gun makers database..Key words: Jailers key, Antique Key, Key Gun, Barrel Key, Matchlock, Black Powder, Muzzle loader.
These genuine Jailer's keys are scarce, and many on the market today are clones, apparently some don't depict the actual manufacturer's markings, and now some do. This one appears to be a true relic of the past, and made here in the USA. This one has been in my 19th Century Collection, and as that collection is being slowly liquidated, this one is offered for sale. Makes for a great 19th century collectible, or a conversation piece inside of a shadow box, antique store or wall ornament, etc. Upon comparing this one to the clones & kits out there, the aging on this one appears to be 19th Century. The imprint also appears genuine as compared to the clones. These jailers keys were mostly intended to deter the prisoners from deviance by the mere appearance, and were not originally intended for use. More of a novelty item per say. The Kern Jailer's keys were more of a primitive ignition system. Some others produced in, and around time same time period had much more advanced ignition systems, via unscrewing the barrel, and placing a percussion cap therein. Others produced some more primitive than the Kern Key, with a single stationary one piece key, with a small lite hole exposed, as such described via Rock Island . Shipping/Insurance with adult signature $13.50 with purchase
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: R. Kern, Lancaster, Penna
Model: Jailer's Key
Serial Number: N/A
Caliber Info: .32 cal