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Exceptional A. Harrington New York Flintlock Rifle, German Silver Mounted and Marked "OLD HICKORY".. ...
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Sold on Jun 19, 2023 for:
$27,500.00
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Description
NO ONE PROVOKES ME WITH IMPUNITY!
Exceptional A. Harrington New York Flintlock Rifle, German
Silver Mounted and Marked "OLD HICKORY".Approximately 42 caliber, 34 1/2-inch octagonal plum brown barrel with five silver bands near breech. Impressive peep sight with extended tang [engraved] cleverly mounted. Barrel also fitted with a brass blade front sight, an adjustable notch rear sight with decorative finial. Top of barrel reads A. HARRINGTON MAKER NEW YORK in old script. The barrel appears to have been possibly manufactured by Remington due to the curved maker's mark partially visible on the left flat at the breech and [O N visible] [barrel not examined or taken apart from stock]. Muzzle has three holes for a false muzzle, which is not included with the gun. Adjustable single set trigger. Curly maple Fullstock configuration. Stunning German silver furniture/accents include an American eagle near the forend and important ornate OLD HICKORY banner inscription on the left cheekpiece. From there, the patch box has a pair of deer and related foliage, a cougar's head appears under the American bald eagle finial with a banner inscribed with the motto NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT held in the eagle's beak which translates to no one provokes me with impunity.
Patchbox appears to be decorative, although it has the look of a functioning patchbox; based on the borders and hinges exposed, which makes us think of the National Treasure movie franchise, what if a secret button/latch is found and pressed and the compartment opens up to Presidential secrets from Old Hickory or even a treasure map?
It has been speculated that this rifle could have been created as a presentation to "Old Hickory" himself, Andrew Jackson. There are certainly features of the gun which could support this hypothesis. The maker, A..A. Harrington, was active in the early 1830s, which corresponds to Jackson's presidency (1829-1837). The engraving has been compared to the work of the master engraver Richard Bates Inshaw, who was also active in New York and Massachusetts during this period, and who did wonderful work for Samuel Colt. Jackson loomed large over the America of the 1830s, and the plate inscribed "Old Hickory" would certainly have been a tribute to him. He acquired the nickname in the years after the conclusion of the War of 1812, when he led military campaigns against hostile Native American tribes in the American Southeast. Jackson's political supporters liked the image it projected, and the nickname stuck throughout his career.
The choice for the other inscribed plate, Latin for "No one provokes me with impunity," certainly seems a good choice to honor Jackson, who was notorious for his irascible temperament. A prominent expert in this field opines that the false patch box would suggest that the rifle was created as a presentation rather than as a working gun. This speculation is supported by the fact that the bore exhibits little if any indication that it was ever fired. False muzzles were not introduced until 1840, but he acknowledges that the holes for attachment could have been added to a gun made earlier. However, Andrew Jackson lived until 1845, and could well have received such a presentation late in life.
Our research failed to uncover any record of such a presentation in Jackson's biographical material, but the absence of such a reference certainly does not preclude the possibility. At minimum, it is safe to conclude that the rifle was created to honor that great military hero and two term president.
Condition of Rifle: Fine as presented. The barrel retains 80-85% of the plum brown finish and has aged patina, minor patina and oxidation present. The complete lock mechanism is showing a mottled grey patina, but the engraving is still pronounced and vivid. All of the German silver furniture displays some light wear [as well as on the silver bands, which also show verdigris residue], with handling wear overall. Fullstock is very good plus and displays very well, with dings and fine scratches overall. A few stress cracks are present but there is one small crack at the lock screw on the left that needs to be kept an eye on, apart from that, your typical handling and storage wear. Bore is rifled and dark. Mechanically sound.
Please note: This gun was purchased from a respected Midwest firearms auction. The sale was September 10, 2021 as lot 170 where it received ferocious bidding before selling for $172,500. Collection of a Southern Gentleman.
Auction Info
2023 June 19 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6271 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2023
19th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,694
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