John (1728) Cookson Sold at Auction Prices

John Cookson Breech Loading Flintlock

United States C. mid-18th century .63 bore, maple stock with large nose and scalloped carving on the butt, forend has a carved scroll on the muzzle end, iron butt plate, steel trigger guard with finger loops and breech opening button in front of the trigger, frame is marked below the cock "John Cookfon/Bofston," smoothbore barrel engraved with foliate designs on the top, two lines along the sighting plain to the sight, and is swamped at the muzzle. Note: There is a John Cookson who built the Cookson Repeating Gun in England, born in 1673. He probably emigrated to Boston around 1700. He is listed in "The History of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company" 1842 history as a member in 1701 with his trade as gunsmith. He is also listed as company clerk from 1722-26. A newspaper search of Boston papers of the period turned up an advertisement from 1756 for the sale of one of these repeaters “Made by John Cookson, and to be sold by him at his house in Boston: A hand Gun of 9 Pound and a half weight; having a place convenient to hold 9 Bullets, and Powder for Charges and 9 Primings; the said Gun will fire 9 Times distinctly, as quick, or as slow as you please.” Cookson died in 1762 and is buried at Copps Hill Burying Ground in Boston. Looking at the gun, there are many similarities to his extant repeating arms. The overall shape of the butt, scalloped carving at the base of the nose, shape of the cock, as well as the barrel style and swamped muzzle.