Welcome to the LaMaster Arms September Virtual Show
Table A
Bowie Knife Table
A1—IXL Sheffield. Nickel Silver Guard. Stag Horn Scaled Handle. 8 ½” blade. 13 ½" overall. Original scabbard. Price: $1250
A2—E.M.Dickinson Sheffield. Nickel Silver Guard. Mother of Pearl scaled handle. 7” blade. 11 1/8” overall. Original scabbard with a slight split. Price: $1200
A3—Woodhead Howard Street Sheffield Bowie Knife. Etched with “California--I can dig gold from quartz.” Sterling cast handle. 7 ½" blade. 12 ¾" overall. Period scabbard which is most likely a replacement. Price: $2250
A4—J.Russell and Co. Green River Works Knife. Checkered grip handle. 5 ½" blade. 10 1/8” overall. Old scabbard, original to the carrier. Price: $400
Table Price: $3900
Exceptional York Screw Tip Powderhorn
An exceptional York County Screw Tip powder horn. Original tip and beautifully turned plug. Chip carving on the plug is in the typical “rope” style found on York County horns. Original surface and attic condition. 15 inches in length.
Price: $1500
Table B
Assorted Knife Table
B1—English Trade Knife. Hickory handle. 7” blade. 11 ¾" overall. 18th or 19th century piece. Rear handle shows some marks. Price: $140
B2—Frontiersman Knife. Hand forged blade. Curly oak handle with brass bolster. 6 ¾" blade. 12” overall. Price: $160
B3—Primitive double-edged dagger. Wooden, possibly pine, handle. Poured pewter bolster. 6 ¼" blade. 11” overall. Price: $240
B4—H. Metcalf stamped knife. The handle appears to be hickory with a wire wrap repair. 7 ¼" blade. 11 ½" overall. Early knife. Price: $ 325
Table: $800
Attributed Lancaster Horn
Horn is attributed as being an early Lancaster, PA piece. Original surface. Spout has been worn on one side. Plug is interesting, as it has either red paint or varnish which over the years has bubbled and created an exquisite patina. Original tip. Expert lathe work around the carry staple. Right hand carry. 16 ½ inch length.
Price: $625
Table C
Assorted Knife Table
C1—Primitive knife with a Deer antler handle. The blade appears to have some minor pitting which has been ground down. 5” blade. 10” overall. Price: $140
C2—Primitive knife with a Moose antler handle. 5” blade. 9 ¾" overall. Price: $150
C3—Double-edged dirk, possibly Spanish in origin. “S” shaped hilt. Antler handle. Line and punch decoration on guard. 7 ½" blade. 12 ½" overall length. Price: $350
C4—Single edge with false edge tip. Bone handle. Brass bolster. 6” blade. 10 ¼" overall. Price: $325
Table: $900
Bedford, PA
Signed James Clark Rifle
A rifle made by and signed by James Clark of Bedford, PA. Rifle has incised carving on the cheek. This rifle is pictured in Dr. James Whisker’s Bedford County book. The mother of pearl star inlay was added later in the rifle's lifespan. Some restoration has taken place on the rifle, including half of the forestock inlays being replaced and restoration done on the entry pipe area.
Price: $10,000
Large Early Militia Style Horn
A larger early horn. Original surface on the horn. Funnel Plug with a large knob style strap attachment point. There is a hole punched through the horn body ahead of the plug. Typical horn style used in militia outfits during the American Revolution. Right-handed carry.
Price: $425
Table D
Assorted Knife Table
D1—Double edged dirk. Bone handle. Triangular blade. Remnants of period leather scabbard still between blade and guard. 6 ½" blade. 10” overall. Price: $350
D2—Phillip and Speyer Sheffield. Mother of pearl scaled handle. Coin silver guard and pommel. 5” blade. 9” overall. Price: $700
D3—Hand forged blade from a file. Some file teeth are still visible on the side of the blade. Stag antler handle. Original sheath. 6 3/8” blade. 12” overall. Price: $350
D4—Most likely a Filipino knife. Wooden handle. 8 ½ blade. 12 ½" overall. Price: $200
Table Price: $1500
Bucks County, PA
Attributed John Shuler Rifle
While this Attributed John Shuler rifle is not signed, it is a great example of what the school of Bucks County builders could construct. Stocked in curly walnut, which is rare for this region, the rifle is decorated with incised carving on the cheek, wrist (cheek and patchbox sides), lock panels, tang, entry pipe, and moldings. The design and craftsmanship of the rifle shows a masterful hand. The furniture (patch box, trigger guard, and ramrod pipes) are typical to the Bucks County area. A beautiful and sleek work from the Bucks County region.
Price: $19,000
Easton, PA
Signed Nicholas Hawk Swivel Breech Rifle
A RARE example of a swivel breech by Nicholas Hawk, the famous gunsmith from Easton, PA. The rifle is decorated with six sterling inlays, including tang inlays and a star cheek piece in Hawk’s typical style. The patchbox, sideplate, and toeplate are all extensively engraved. Brass name plate on the barrel bearing the signature of the maker. The lock and the swivel breech are fully functional. The rifle has had an in-period conversion to percussion.
Price: $25,000
Table E
Assorted Knife Table
E1—A & N.C.S.L stamped bolster. Ebony handled. Nickel silver bolster and guard. Original sheath, missing the belt loop. 6 ¾" blade. 11 ½" overall. Price: $950
E2—Triangular blade knife. Iron guard missing one quillon. Most likely European. 9 ¼" long. 14 3/8” overall. Price: $300
E3—Large stag antler handled knife. Blade appears to be forged out of a sickle. 8 ½" blade. 13 ¾" overall. Price: $250
E4—Primitive homemade knife. Blade has been riveted to an additional piece of steel that goes into the handle. The wooden handle has bug damage. 7” blade. 11” overall. Price: $200
Table Price: $1500
Attributed Ohio Powderhorn
Double twist horn with a screw-tip spout. Screw tip is two inches in length. Attributed as an Ohio horn. Two staples serve as carry points. Left hand carry. 12 ¾ inch length. The tip is professionally restored and replaced. Horn was shaved down so the user could see the powder level.
Price: $425
Attributed Kentucky Made Powderhorn
This horn is attributed as being a Kentucky powder horn. Plug has great chip carving around the carrying knob. Applied collar on the spout of the horn is a replacement. Left hand carry. 12 ¼ inch length.
Price: $625
Western PA SChool
Attributed Schreckengost Percussion Rifle
Rifle appears to be made by an apprentice of Schreckengost gunsmith, due to similarity in style. Full stock rifle, which has very nice condition. Checkered wrist with a brass saddle plate on the bottom. Interesting side plate. Some engraving present at the front sight. Capture lid patchbox.
Price: $2800
Terra Alta, WV
Signed E.D. Benson Rifle
A great example of a later West Virginia rifle made by Ezra Darby (E.D.) Benson, who was active in Terra Alta, WV until his death in 1909. The Benson family of gunsmiths were known to use aluminum and silver as inlays on their rifles. This specific rifle has nickel silver for its inlays. The name of the owner of the rifle is engraved on the cheek piece and appears to be “Jno. R. McMin..”. Stamp signed on the barrel.
Price: $6800
Point Pleasant, WV
Signed Andrew McDermit Rifle
Very distinctive, well-built rifle by Andrew McDermit of Point Pleasant, WV. McDermit was a Civil War veteran who is documented as fighting in the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. The hand forged triggerguard is elaborate and should be appreciated for its craftsmanship. Spade shape forward finial. One of the finest examples of a hand forged iron triggerguard that LaMaster Arms has seen. The buttplate is also hand forged and is a two-piece plate.
Price: $2300
Fine Scrimshawed "Federal Eagle" Powderhorn
This horn is covered with fine, detailed scrimshaw that depicts sailing ships, an American fort, and a federal eagle. The sailing ship (labeled USS Independence) appears to be a ship of the line, as it has nine gun ports open on the starboard side. A large American flag flutters off the stern of the ship. The federal eagle is outstanding, even holding the banner with “E Pluribus Unum '' etched on it. The small fort shows eight cannon visible with the American banner flying over the structure.
Price: $3000
Table F
Assorted Powder Can Table
F1—Hercules Powder Can. Orange Extra Sporting. Flask shaped. Original Cork with tin cap. FFG. Price: $100
F2—Hazard Powder Company Can. “Kentucky Rifle Powder.” Original screw-in stopper. FFG.Price: $75
F3—Hercules Powder Can. Black Sporting. FFG. Price: $60
F4—Hazard Powder Company Can. “Kentucky Rifle Powder”. Dark in color. Price: SOLD
F5—Small Golden Pheasant Gun Powder. Dupont. Original screw-in stopper. Very nice condition. 2 ½" tall and 2 1/8” wide. Price: SOLD
F6—Hazard Powder Company Can. “Kentucky Rifle Powder”. FFG. 3” tall. 2 5/8” wide. Price: SOLD
York, PA
Attributed George Piper Flintlock Rifle
An unsigned York rifle built in C. 1815. While LaMaster Arms attributes this rifle to George Piper, it could have possibly been made by a Zorger or Welshans gunsmith. The gun is architecturally pleasing and follows the York school style. The rifle is decorated with fine incised carving on the cheek and wrist. Silver thumbpiece inlay is cut into a heart shape. Patchbox is engraved in rococo design.
Price: $3700
York School of PA
Signed Adam Ernst Flintlock Rifle
Adam Ernst (d.1857) was a Golden Age gunsmith who worked in Adams and York County, Pennsylvania during his career. Ernst’s rifles and style indicate that he most likely apprenticed with George Eister. Ernst’s work is always precise, delicate, and detail oriented. This rifle is a fine example of Ernst’s craftsmanship. Low relief carving decorates the cheek, wrist, and tang. The maker took care to engrave the patchbox, sideplate, thumbpiece, and cheek inlay. Ogee moldings decorate the forestock.
Price: $25,000
The "Hamlet" Scimshawed Powderhorn
Horn is scrimshawed with various characters, plants, birds, and astronomy motifs. Rear of the horn is scalloped, although multiple “teeth” are missing. At butt of the horn, there is a man and woman labeled “Hamlet” and “Ann” respectively. Another man is scrimshawed at the top of horn in a hunting scene with his rifle and blowing horn. Plants seem to be a mix of palm trees and flowers. Multiple moons and stars scrimshawed into the main body of the horn. Length is 20 ¾ inches.
Price: $2500
Lancaster, PA
RARE: Signed Abraham Kizer Flintlock Rifle
Rifle built and signed by “A.Kizer” or Abraham Kizer. A piece from a very rare maker. Our guess is that Kizer worked or apprenticed in Lancaster County, PA, as this rifle appears to have the stock architecture and daisy patchbox commonly found in the region. The rifle bears its original surface and retains its original flintlock. The patchbox is similar to earlier period Lancaster boxes. Deep gouge engraving found on the pedals of the daisy. Ten inlays decorate the rifle, including a sterling silver hunters star on the cheek and thumbpiece. Rifle also has an unusual front trigger in its set triggers.
Price: $9200
Islesboro, Maine
David Williams Powderhorn
Horn has a nice black neck and spout. The plug of horn is incised carved “David Williams-Islesboro" in a circular pattern. Islesboro may refer to the town of the same name in Waldo County, Maine. Splitting the center carrying screw (where strap would attach) is a date of 1868. Good condition horn. Left hand carry. 11 inch length.
Price: $1000
James H Beard
"Westward Ho!" Print
Westward Ho! Painted by James Henry Beard and engraved by T.D. Booth. The print appears to be in very good to excellent condition but has not been inspected out of the frame. Beard was a popular portrait artist who operated in the 1830s through the 1880s. Frame size is 38” by 31”.
Price: $850
York School of Horns
Great Condition Screwtip Powderhorn
Ideal specimen of a York County Screw Tip Horn. Circa 1800 and middle period style. Possibly retains the original tip on the horn. These horns were commonly used in the period, as they were “user-friendly” when refilling, as it has a wider mouth when the tip is unscrewed. 16 inch length. Right handed carry.
Price: $725
York PA
Signed John Shriver Flintlock Fowler
A RARE maker and the first Fowler to LaMaster Arms knowledge that was made by Shriver. The Fowler, a modern equivalent of a shotgun, is a long, graceful gun. Finely engraved trigger guard, sideplate, and buttplate. There is relief carving surrounding the tang, which is done in the typical York style fashion.
Price: $4100
Table G
Assorted Powder Can Table
G1—Black Sporting Powder. Snapshot. Canadian and Dusk Industires. Montreal, Canada. Original Stopper FFG. 4 ¼" tall. 3 ½" wide. Price: $65
G2—E.I. Dupont. Demores and Company. Original Stopper. 3 ¾" tall. 3 3/8” wide. Label has slight damage. Price: $60
G3—Dupont Super Fine Gun Powder. Red Can. Original Screw-in stopper. 5 7/8” tall. 4 7/8” wide. Slight damage to label. Price: $25
G4—E.I. Dupont. Demores and Company. Original stopper. Paint in very good shape. 3 7/8” tall. 3 3/8” wide. Nice condition. Price: $55
G5—Golden Pheasant Powder Company. Manufactured by A. F. & Co. Paint is in good condition. Original stopper. 4 1/8” tall. 4 ¼" wide. Price: SOLD
G6—New England Sporting Powder. Dark in color. Original tin stopper. 5 ½" tall. 4 1/8” wide. Back of the can has “powder” scratched on it. Price: $60
Hezekiah Carmon
French and Indian War Era Scrimshawed Powderhorn
Horn has a fine patina. Simple in architecture but covered in scrimshaw from the mid-point to the butt of the horn. Scrimshawed name plate reads “Hezekiah Carmon—His Horn August ye 10 Y 1758”. Various tulip-like flowers around the plate. The horn was probably more decorated with scrimshaw, but etchings have worn off with friction and age. Surrounding the butt of the horn are two rows of decoration. Small, minor chips on butt of the horn. Plug has a circular pattern inscribed on it and appears to be walnut. Staple in plug for carry. Right-handed carry. 13 inch length.
Price: $3000
York School Screw Tip Powderhorn
This horn is a wonderful example of a Screw-Tip powder horn that was made in the early nineteenth century in York, Pennsylvania. The horn has been classified as Third Generation York Screw Tip. To make these types of horns, the spout of the horn was cut short and then internal threads would be cut; a male piece would then be made to match the internal threads. Screw tips were desirable, as they were easy to refill with powder.
Price: $750
Susquehanna School of PA
Signed John Parks Smooth Rifle
An original surfaced smooth rifle made by John Parks of Selinsgrove, PA. This rifle is in extremely fine condition, like it just walked out of the maker’s shop. Stock architecture is classic Upper Susquehanna; the whole rifle being slender and slim. Barrel is octagon-to-round, with a wedding band transition at fourteen and a half inches. Various inlays of brass and silver decorate the stock, including a five-inch comb inlay of lightly engraved brass. Signed “J.P” in period script on the barrel behind the rear sight.
Price: $4600
Centre County, PA
RARE Signed David Albright Flintlock Rifle
David Albright was the son of Jacob Albright Sr, the well-known Centre County gunsmith. David Albright’s work is rare, and this may be the only known rifle made by him. The rifle is decorated with incised carving on the cheek and wrist. The cheek carving has the initials “DA” in the same style of Jacob Sr’s work. Barrel has been shortened four inches from the muzzle. The toe has a small piece of wood that has been restored and the toeplate has been extended two and a half inches. Thumb piece is a replacement. Original flintlock. Barrel is signed with the matching initials of the carving, “DA.”
Price: $4500
Susquehanna, PA
Attributed Samuel Baum Smooth Rifle
This is a spectacular rifle from the Susquehanna, Pennsylvania region. Attributed to Samuel Baum, one of the area’s most prolific gunsmiths, there is exceptional relief rococo carving decorating the tang, cheek, forestock moldings, and wrist. The octagon-to-round barrel is light and graceful; a wedding band sits at the transitional point.
Price: $13,000
Table H
Assorted Molds Table
H1—Brass, 18th Century “Gang” mold. Initials “JM” on side. 9 3/8” overall length. Ball size diameter graduates from .55 to .74 caliber. Early military style mold. Price: $475
H2—Combination ball and bullet mold. Most likely for a Civil War revolver. .46 caliber for the ball. .42 caliber for the bullet. Iron. 6” total length. Price: $180
H3—Brass multi-cavity 18th century gang mold. Wooden handles, possibly birch. .29 to .23 ball size. 6” total length. 3” handles. Price: $300
H4— multi-cavity brass pistol mold. The bullet is .39 caliber, and the ball is .39 caliber. 4 ¾" in total length. Price: $180
H5—Extremely nice condition pistol mold. Ball is .49 caliber. Screw barrel pistol tool on the end of handle. Marked 40 balls to the pound. Price: $150
H6—Combination of bullet and ball brass mold. Both ball and bullet measure .39 caliber. 4 ¾" total length. Price: $150
Table Price: $1300
William Simpkins Scrimshawed Powderhorn
Horn is well made. Engrailment at the edge of the transition from horn body to spout. Heavily scrimshawed. “William Simpkins—Horn 1809” is etched on a detailed name plate. A large sailing ship covers the opposite side of the horn. Surrounding the ship, there are two town scenes. Various floral designs, including vines and pedals wrap from the nameplate to the ship and town scenes. Two birds and a fish also appear as characters. Geometric design around the carrying staple.
Price: $3500
Lancaster PA
Attributed Lancaster Horn with strap
Attributed Lancaster County, PA horn. Simple, yet elegant architecture. Interesting spout appears to be original and shows craftsmanship. Two staples serve as the strap carry locations (one staple may be a replacement). Small leather strap attached to the horn. Minor cracks on the plug.
Price: $1000
Ohio made
Signed John Vincent Half-Stock Rifle
John Vincent (b.1809) is acknowledged as one of the most famous gunsmiths in the Ohio school. According to an article published by William Reynolds, Vincent was originally a cabinetmaker, before learning gunsmithing in his thirties. This half-stock rifle is decorated with an engraved patchbox, thumb piece, sideplate, triggerguard, and barrel key inlays. Barrel is stamped “J.Vincent.” Stocked in curly maple, this is a wonderful example of John Vincent’s work.
Price: $4200
Table I
Assorted Powderhorn Table
I1—Small bottle horn. Original wood stopper. Soft wood end plugs. Most likely American. 4 ½" length (with stopper). 2 ¼" wide. Price: $180
I2—Small screw-tip Queen Anne style bottle horn. Screw-in spout is hand turned. Excellent color and condition. 5 ½" length with tip. 1 ¼" in width. Price: $300
I3—Small screw-tip Queen Anne style bottle horn. Original plug. Small iron eyelets. Multiple wedding bands decorate the horn. 5 ½" in length. 2 ¾" in width. Price: $300
I4—Flat horn with screw-tip. Original decorative stopper. Wood plugs are maple topped and walnut butt cap. Piece was found in Indiana. Decorative scrimshaw on the body of the horn. Total length is 6 ½". Width is 3 1/8”. Price: SOLD
I5—Flat elliptical bottle horn. Top unscrews as a measure. Plugs are cowhorn. “1804” engraved on the bottom. Price: $280
I6—Flat horn. Nicely shaped. Small chip off the spout. Cow horn back cover. 8 ¾" length. 3 ¼" butt cap. 1 1/8” wide. Price: $350
New York, NY
Signed William Allen Flintlock Pistol Set
A RARE example of an American made pistol set, made by William Allen of New York City in the 1780s. The gunsmith signed the lock plates of both pistols with “W.Allen.” The trigger guards and entry pipes are both engraved. The brass barrels bear the name “Sutton'' on top, which could indicate the address and location of Allen’s shop, following the English tradition. Recently, Man at Arms magazine featured an article where a fowler that William Allen built was discussed.
Price: $7500
American made
Small Kentucky Pistol
A Kentucky pistol made in the Derringer style. The pistol retains its original black surface. Octagon to round barrel with a wedding ring at mid-barrel. Engraved floral embellishments on the barrel flats at the breech and the butt cap. The lock bolt has been replaced and a small crack ahead of the lock repaired. A nice, little American made pistol.
Price: $2500
Attributed Southeastern PA Powderhorn
Horn attributed to Southeastern PA. Nice clean horn. Beautiful color to the horn body with a bulbous plug. The horn retains its original tip. The plug has ornate lathe work around the transition of the horn body and plug. Missing one pin on plug, but otherwise perfect condition. Left hand carry.
Price: $1000
Somerset, PA
Signed Peter Dunmeyer Rifle
With the initials “P.D” engraved on the lock plate and similarities between his other works, this rifle appears to be made by Peter Dunmeyer of the Somerset County, Pennsylvania school. The rifle has a nicely engraved patchbox and a small, petite feel. Incised carving decorates the cheek and wrist areas. The gun has no restoration and bears its original surface.
Price: $8000
Table J
Assorted Tools Table
J1— C.Beck stamped reaping hook. Possibly Christian Beck or a descendant of the Beck family of gunsmiths. Original handle. Small star and “S” stamped on the handle. The sweeping angle of the blade measures 30”. Handle is 5 ¼" in length. Price: $350
J2—Fascine Knife, otherwise known as a Brush Cutting knife. Used during the mid to late 18th century. There is documentation of Fascine Knives on Braddock's Expedition in 1755. 10” length on the blade. Price: $125
Table Price: $450
Berks County, PA
Berks School Powderhorn
Horn has a typical Berks County bulbous, “bee-hive” style plug. The applied collar is a professionally restored replacement. Screw tip spout.
