LOT 4414 – RARE CASED NICANOR KENDALL UNDERHAMMER HIGH QUALITY NEW ENGLAND STYLE UNDERHAMMER RIFLE/SHOTGUN 2 BARREL SET

LOT 4414 – RARE CASED NICANOR KENDALL UNDERHAMMER HIGH QUALITY NEW ENGLAND STYLE UNDERHAMMER RIFLE/SHOTGUN 2 BARREL SET

01-25944
Cal. .42 Rifle .60 Shotgun
S# NSN

The 32″ octagon rifle barrel is fitted with long u-notch rear and German silver bead front sights. Fine scroll engraving is on breech plug which has inlaid silver bands. There are well executed flourishes of scroll around breech ends and front of rear sight, as well as either side of front sight. Beautifully engraved scrollwork also surrounds the maker’s name and address, “N. KENDALL” and “WINDSOR VT” on the top flat. Kendall worked circa 1835-1849, and was very famous for his exceptional underhammer rifles. The 32″ half-octagon, half-round shotgun barrel has bead front sight with similar fine embellishment and markings. Stump-figured American walnut swan neck stock contains underhammer mechanism with markings “SMITH’S” “IMPROVED” “PATENT” “LOCK” on top tang, which is also scroll-engraved; scroll engraving is also found on hammer. Mounts are beautifully contrasted German silver and consist of a heavy crescent buttplate with 3″ return, fancy shaped patchbox on right side of stock, and trigger guard with square bow and a loop at the rear, forming a grip. Mounts are also exquisitely scroll-engraved with near-full coverage, and the patchbox cover is artistically engraved with two birds perched in a tree. Trigger is set. Stock attaches to barrels with side bolt through German silver escutcheons with spear finials. Ramrods, one steel for rifle, the other hickory for shotgun barrel mount through two plain pipes and heavy cast German silver thimble.

UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: rifle and both barrels are housed in a very fancy walnut and mahogany case with a flush-mounted square brass handle on top, inlet double ogee brass corners and sliding lock closure. Interior is lined in scarlet cloth. Bottom is French fit for stock, both barrels, and some original accessories, including: steel 3-cavity round ball mold, wad punch, small brass powder measure and ebony handled nipple wrench specially made for the extra-long nipples fitted to these barrels. An original receipt, dated 1963, from famous arms dealer, David Wood Jr., is included in the bottom of the case.

UNATTACHED ACCESORIES: photo copied info pertaining to gunmaker Nicanor Kenndall & this rifle.

PROVENANCE: ex-collection of Terry Tyler.

STATUS: ANTIQUE