What is a Kentucky, er, Pennsylvania, long rifle worth nowadays?
This Kentucky rifle, made by 19-century Pennsylvania gunsmith Leonard Reedy, sold at auction recently. Denver, Pa.’s, Morphy Auctions conducted the sale of the rifle and other interesting artifacts. Also of interest: York countians major makers of Kentucky, make that Pennsylvania, long rifles.
Remember that long rifle Fess Parker deployed on the TV series Daniel Boone?
Those long guns were often made in Pennsylvania, and York County had its share of such gunsmiths.
So, if you wanted to secure an authentic Kentucky or Pennsylvania long rifle, what would you have to shell out?
Morphy’s Auctions recently provided at least number.
This, from a Morphy news release about the late-February sale:
“Antique and vintage guns attracted so many potential bidders to the sale that both parking lots at Morphy’s recently expanded facility were filled to capacity. ‘I think many had come to see the Leonard Reedy rifle sell,’ said Morphy, referring to the spectacular Kentucky rifle made by a master Pennsylvania gunsmith who was active in the first and second quarters of the 19th century.
“Morphy’s Rifles & Firearms specialist Stephen D. Hench described the Reedy gun as ‘immaculate from end to end, with a million-dollar finish that’s absolutely original and untouched. No one had ever cleaned it, and it oxidized perfectly.’
“The Reedy rifle deserved special attention, so Morphy’s created a special brochure about it that circulated far and wide within the antique gun-collecting community. It paid off on auction day, Hench said.
“The entire phone bank buzzed as the coveted firearm was introduced with a $20,000-$40,000 estimate. Heated bidding pushed the final price to a staggering $76,800.”
OK, there’s the answer.
On to another weapon.
What about a two-handed German sword?
“A circa-1580 German two-handed sword, 75 inches long with a flambé edge and embossed markings,” the release said, ” handily surpassed expectations at $21,600.” That came from a consignment by renowned Hollywood animator and film director Frank Andrina, according to Morphy’s.
Clearly, people take their antiquing seriously.
Also of interest:
Another item from the release:
Morphy’s also sold a 14-inch-long powder horn dated “1758” and inscribed with a fish symbol and the name “Zephaniah Butler.” The horn was decorated by a mulatto carver named John Bush. “Bush powder horns from the French & Indian War period are, to collectors, what Rembrandts or Picassos are to the art world,” Hench said. Estimated at $400-$800, it was bid to $21,600.
Also:
– Neat antiques up for sale in recent York County-area auctions.
– American Picker goes antiquing in New Oxford, Pa.
– York/Adams family heirlooms: ‘It’s very easy to ruin what you’re trying to preserve’
– Of York antiquarian Joe Kindig III: ‘He is generous with his knowledge’
