Exceptional Leman Flintlock Chief's Grade Rifle
.42 caliber. 40.75" pinned octagonal barrel. SN: NSN. Browned barrel, color casehardened lock, brass furniture, full-length faux finished maple stock. Lock in original flint configuration with fenced waterproof pan and reinforced flat faceted cock. Lock marked in three lines "LEMAN/LANCASTER PA/1840". Lock decorated with simple scroll engraving at tail. Top flat of barrel marked in three lines "LEMAN/LANCASTER PA/WARRANTED". Barrel decorated with simple flowing punch dots and geometric lines forming intertwined foliate motifs. Dovetailed fixed notch rear sight and dovetailed Rocky Mountain German silver front sight blade. Stock with raised cheek rest, simply checkered wrist and round brass patchbox decorated with foliate engraved patterns, crescent steel buttplate, engraved brass toe plate. Brass triggerguard and saddle plate engraved with simple foliate decorations. Brass nose cap, ramrod thimbles and entry pipe. Includes what appears to be the original wood ramrod. Mr. Ness' notes say that this is one of five Leman rifles found in new condition in a crate in Requa, NY. Henry Leman worked in Philadelphia from 1831-1834 then relocated to Lancaster where he worked until his death in 1887. He produced some arms under the trade name Conestoga Rifle Works and was a prolific contractor producing all forms of sporing and military style arms with some estimates placing his output at over 100,000 guns during his working life. A really fantastic example of a late production American-made Chief's Grade flintlock rifle by one of the most prolific and famous of the Pennsylvania makers.
Provenance:The Collection of Larry Ness
Condition:
Very fine to excellent overall. Barrel retains most of the browned finish with some thinning, fading and minor loss due to age and handling. Lock with muted case color but retaining some nice bluish mottling. Mechanically functional lock remains in original flint. Fine rifled bore with scattered oxidation and some old collected dirt and dust. Brass with a rich, untouched bronze patina. Stock with an attractive striped faux finish is crisp and free of breaks, cracks or repairs. The wood does show scattered bumps and dings, primarily from handling and storage. An uncommon opportunity to acquire a nearly "as new" condition Leman rifle from the end of the flintlock period. A really stunning gun.
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