Lot 156

Smoothbore Flintlock Kentucky Rifle Attributed to John Bonewitz

Previous image preload Next image preload

Smoothbore Flintlock Kentucky Rifle Attributed to John Bonewitz

Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000

Starting Bid: $9,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Desirable Well-Documented Revolutionary War Era Relief Carved Smoothbore Flintlock American Long Rifle Attributed to John Bonewitz This smoothbore rifle was attributed by Henry Bishop as by John Bonewitz. It is pictured and described on pages 140-141 of "The History of Weapons of the American Revolution" by Neumann and is listed as an "American Rifle Circa 1770-1780" from the Howard B. Greene Collection. Bishop had first seen the gun in the late 1960s at a Brigade of the American Revolution event. Steve Hench who later purchased it at auction in 2000, fixed the loose forend cap, and then sold the gun to Bishop who noted: I was excited to have it as it provided one of the four styles Bonewitz made: Early rifles with 'Mad Rooster' patch box; Smooth Rifles carved, but without patch box; Typical Bonewitz 'Snowman' designed patch box rifles; and Bonewitz rifles with Reedy style 'Emerging Flower' patch box." The smoothbore, octagon to round barrel has a blade front sight and a dovetailed notch rear sight. The mounts are brass. The stock has very attractive flame figure and features detailed raised relief and incised carving and molding. The carving on the left side behind the cheekpiece is particularly attractive and is the classic John Bonewitz style we have seen on several of his rifles, including the c. 1780 smooth rifle in our May 2026 sale.

Manufacturer: American

Model: Flintlock

BBL: 47 3/8 inch part octagon

Stock: curly maple

Gauge: .56

Finish: brown

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Howard B. Greene Collection; The Steve Hench Collection; The Henry Bishop Collection
  • Condition: Very good as reconverted using repaired period lock components with dark brown patina on the lock and barrel along with mild pitting, attractively aged patina on the brass mounts, and general mild wear. The refinished stock is very good with a protective wax coating, distinct carving and molding, minor cracks in the butt, small chips, and generally minor wear. The cock will release from half-cock if the trigger is pulled, but it otherwise mechanically functions.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000