November 17, 2020 Early Arms & Militaria: Age of Exploration, Empire & Revolution
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2020
This Kentucky rifle is signed "M* Fordney" in script for maker Melchoir Fordney of Queen Street in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Melchoir worked between 1809 and 1846. Fordney is famous for having been slain outside his shop by a religious zealot with a tomahawk, leading to the first attempted insanity plea in United States history. The man was found guilty and hanged. The 45" octagonal .44 caliber smoothbore barrel is inscribed "M* Fordney" on the top flat, with a blade front sight and notched rear sight. The lock is unmarked and the rifle features double set triggers. Full-length walnut stock of classic Lancaster form, with incised edge line and dot carving. Two engraved silver inlays with a stylized eagle inlay with engraved designs above the cheekpiece, and engraved thumbpiece. Dished motif with incised semicircle designs behind lock and sideplate. Incised squiggle line behind tailpipe turning into a raised design then into the molding line. Brass furniture with a typical engraved four-piece patchbox with dish carving along lid in between sideplates. Brass furniture features Fordney's typical heavy-handed combination of lines and geometric shapes engraving. Hardwood ramrod. CONDITION: Overall good condition with some light restoration. Lock is a good professional reconversion with some minor splinters replaced around lock. Small stress cracks around tang. Forestock has been properly professionally restored from muzzle back about 12" and is difficult to detect. Thumb piece inlay is probably a replacement.
Caliber/Bore
.44 Smoothbore