Lot 1

Exceptionally rare 18th Century Swiss Target Rifle by Abraham Forer with Accompanying Allen carrying case, Research Binder & extensive provenance/history

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Exceptionally rare 18th Century Swiss Target Rifle by Abraham Forer with Accompanying Allen carrying case, Research Binder & extensive provenance/history

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Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000

Starting Bid: $500

(0 Bids)

by Ripley Auctions
August 11, 2026 3:00 PM EDT
Timed Auction
5451 N Rural Street
Indianapolis, IN, US 46220

Exceptionally rare 18th Century Swiss Target Rifle by Abraham Forer with Accompanying Allen carrying case, Research Binder & extensive provenance/history
18th-century Swiss rifle handcrafted by master gunmaker Abraham Forer (Furrer) of Winterthur, Switzerland. Originally produced as a flintlock, and later converted to percussion during its period of use. Features a traditional full-length wooden stock with an exaggerated cheekpiece, precision target rifling, and period lockwork. Includes an extensive, professionally compiled research binder by the late Jacqueline Forrer-Schmid—a direct descendant of Abraham Forer.

Documents included in the research detail Abraham Forer's active workshop in 18th-century Winterthur, providing rich context on his tool inventory, production of target arms ("Zihlflinti"), and eventual bankruptcy. Archival documentation traces the artisan family surname from the early Swiss Furrer to Forrer following religious migration to Germany, and eventual emigration to America. Genealogical and archival timeline analysis aligns the gunmaker's active era and family movement with Hessian soldier emigrations during the American Revolutionary War.



The wood shows a historical repair near the lower thimble area above the ramrod groove. A small fragment of wood has chipped away from the barrel area; the original detached piece of wood is included with the lot.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $99 $10
$100 $199 $20
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 + $2,500