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New Year’s auction will include early Chambersburg compass and Carlisle rifle

December 6, 2016

An early surveyor’s compass produced by John Scott of Chambersburg and a Kentucky Rifle signed Henry Lechler of Carlisle will be sold at an auction on January 2 at Gateway Gallery Auction, 643 Kriner Road, Chambersburg.

John Scott, a silversmith-clockmaker, had multiple residences, but in 1784 set up shop next to the court house in a two-story log building with a casting house in the rear. Around 1790 he also ventured into the papermaking business. In 1796 he produced the bell for the neighboring court house. Scott was considered one of Chambersburg’s leading citizens and according to his obituary, a mechanical genius.

Not much of Scott’s work remains today due to his short career and the fire of 1864. As of 1984, his only known pieces in existence are two tall clocks and one surveyor’s instrument. (Craftsmen of Franklin County, Penna. 1784-1884 by William S. Bowers)

The Kentucky rifle, c.1820, is signed Henry Lechler of Carlisle. Lechler apprenticed in Lancaster but moved to Carlisle around 1798 to start his business in a less competitive area. Most of his guns include a daisy finial on the patchbox, indicating his Lancaster area influence. (The Pennsylvania-Kentucky Rifle by Henry J. Kauffman)

The auction also includes 101 lots of advertising pieces and movie posters. Compass, rifle and advertising pieces will be sold at 3 p.m. with live in-house and online bidding.

Doors will open at 8 a.m. on sale day. For a complete listing and photos, view listing or call 717-263-6512 or 1-800-315-3265 for more information.

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