William Large Rifle

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Fine Arts, Antiques and Jewelry Online Auctio...

By Aspire Auctions

May 24, 2024 - Jun 1, 2024

Set Reminder 2024-05-24 03:00:00 2024-06-01 12:10:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Arts, Antiques and Jewelry Online Auction https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/aspire-auctions/fine-arts-antiques-and-jewelry-online-auction-15962
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• Lot Description
  William Large (1907 - 1985 ) of Ironton, Ohio; took an interest in antique flintlock and percussion ignition rifles at an early age. In the 1920's he was making complete copies of traditional weapons, using the same techniques of the past. He mastered barrel making, that being his specialty, rifling them using the same simple tools typical of the18th and 19th century. As the years passed, his skill grew and tooling expanded. Word had gotten out about his work. Large rifles were in demand, as they had proven their accuracy, and Large's desire to maintain traditional form, appealed to the purist. There were no kits or mass produced replicas to speak of in the 1950's and 1960's, when Large established himself as a master smith. He was a member of a small fraternity of gunsmiths offering shooters and hunters an alternative to using historical weapons, made with modern steel. These men were responsible for keeping the craft alive as well as the interest in black powder arms. When the flood of mass produced black powder arms struck in the 70's and 80's, gunsmiths like Large, now catered to a new customer. A connoisseur, looking for the finest, not something available at any time. His work was picked up by collectors. Many of his firearms are silent, finding homes in fine firearms collections. No more will ever be made. Values have continued to rise. Upon examination it is no wonder prices are rising. While most rifles are simple in design, they exhibt a level of fitting only seen on premium contemporary arms. William Large has managed to carve out a special place among shooters and collectors. His rifles will never be obsolete. Approximately .35 caliber. 40 â…›" long barrel, with blade front sight and buckthorn rear. Traditional lock with double set triggers. Brass forend tip, three brass ferrules flanked by oval plate decorations, brass trigger guard and crescent shaped butt plate, with extension along the toe. Typical brass matchbox. Walnut stained stock with single line carving on cheek side of buttstock, and both sides of frond near rear sight.

  Condition

  Very good overall.