C1840 New England fullstock longrifle by Silas Allen, Shrewsbury, MA - $2250.0
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Fine quality C1840 New England fullstock longrifle by Silas Allen, Shrewsbury, MA. The Allen family were prominent craftsmen of flintlock and percussion rifles in Shrewsbury for almost a century. Uniquely shaped lock with pine tree engraving marked "N. KENDALL WINDSOR VT" for Nicanor Kendall of Windsor, VT, who used this marking from 1838-1842 before he began production of M1841 Mississippi rifles with partners. The script signature "S.Allen" on the barrel, buttplate/engraved toeplate, and the silver oval wrist escutcheon are hallmarks of Silas Allen's earlier flintlock rifles. Whether this rifle was built by Allen around 1840 or rebuilt by Kendall utilizing earlier parts are both reasonable suppositions. 42-1/2" long, 15/16" diameter octagon barrel of about .57 caliber bore. Has dark, untouched patina on barrel and lock with some expected pitting in the barrel breech area, and an attractive mustard patina on brass parts. Distinctive pointed triggerguard a classic on New England rifles. Large, unique adjustable rear sight and interesting all-brass blade front sight. We are most inclined to think the fullstock is of cherry, but could also be plain maple. It has a period varnished finish and a simply appointed cheekpiece with mother-of-pearl inlay. The varnish shows scattered scratches from years of handling, has a light wrist crack, small crack by sideplate, and a couple minor diagonal hairlines in the forearm edges. Wonderful brass-tipped ramrod that is possibly original. Mechanically good, sold as a collector item only, not warranted safe to shoot.
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