Beschreibung:

Heavy octagonal barrel with twelve groove rifling and decorated with four solid gold bands inlaid on top of hooked breech. Top flat signed "J. BARTLETT & BROS. Maker's/Binghamton, New York/cast steel/for E.G. ROBERTS". Engraved with finely-executed scrolls on breech, tang, muzzle and on both sides of front sight. Ornate adjustable rear sight with pineapple finial, finely engraved with detailed foliage, stars, and scrolls. High quality flintlock mechanism, lockplate engraved with scrolls and marked "J.&R. BARTLETT". Lock features a reinforced cock, waterproof pan, roller frizzen and cock safety. Double set triggers. Profusely engraved silver furniture includes a delicate two-piece patchbox, engraved on the lid with a hunter taking a shot and standing behind two pointers, also extensively engraved with scrolls and borders, terminating with a pineapple finial. Large silver alligator inlay above cheekpiece, engraved in great detail. Inlay at rear of butt on left side depicts two pointers pursuing a large buck. Buttplate is engraved with scrolls around screws and tang and separate finial are profusely engraved. Small sideplate, engraved with scrolls, surrounds single lock retaining screw. Full toeplate with engraved pineapple finial and spur trigger also decorated with scrolls. Silver wearplate on underside of forend is decorated with engraved shields and florals. Silver nosecap, barrel key escutcheons and ramrod entry ferrule. Figured walnut half-stock relief oval cheekpiece and checkered panels on each side of forend. Wrist has a period repair comprising an iron band on each side and a silver sleeve wrapped around wrist. Complete with brass-tipped wooden ramrod. Very good condition, dark patina overall with scattered marks from use and some wear. Triggerguard has a reinforcement screw forward bow and wear plate on forend is missing its two three-pronged finials. This rifle was sold as part of "The Bowie Collection" on June 26, 2001 at Butterfields in San Francisco, California. This was a consignment from the direct descendant of Rezin and James Bowie Muriel Vernet Moore. There is a detailed description from 1897 of this rifle by Rezin Bowie's grandaughter, Elvie Soniat. The description mentions the silver inlays, including an alligator, which relate to Louisiana. This is a well-known rifle that descended through the Bowie family and is widely accepted in the collecting world as Rezin Bowie's rifle. Name Value Manufacturer J Bartlett Model Rifle Serial Number NSN Caliber .65 Flintlock Barrel Length 39" FFL Status Antique Paperwork Yes