October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
Martin Ringle worked in Bellefont, Center County, Pennsylvania and in Blairsville, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The rifle has a full length octagonal barrel signed "M Ringle" in script on the top flat. The lockplate is marked "ASHMORE / WARRANTED" in the center. Rifle features double set triggers. This example was clearly made in Westmoreland County and features brass furniture, including a classic Western Pennsylvania four piece pierced patchbox. with a spade shaped piercing on the finial. The patchbox is engraved with checkered designs, floral motifs, and shaded scrollwork. The flat sideplate is engraved with repeating half moons across the bottom. There is a small ovoid wearplate on the bottom of the forearm engraved with the same design that is on the patchbox lid. The tombstone shaped toeplate is engraved with borders and the iron patchbox is in the center. The rifle has a total of 13 engraved silver inlays including a large and well executed eagle in an oval above the cheekpiece, four inlays on each side of the forend with stars and borders, one on each side of the wrist, and an unengraved heart just behind the barrel tang. The full length highly figured maple stock is of classic Western Pennsylvania form and has sections of relief gadrooning in front of the lockplate and sideplate cavities. There is a deep flute as well as incised orders between each section, separated by silver inlays. Rifle is complete with a replaced period ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a brown patina with some corrosion at the breech. Signature is very good. Lock retains an applied heavy brown patina and has been reconverted to flintlock configuration. Brass and silver furniture polished. Stock shows some replaced wood around lock cavity and about 4-1/2" replaced on the forend towards the muzzle. There are also a few age cracks on both sides of the wrist. A very attractive Western Pennsylvania rifle signed by a scarce maker.
Caliber/Bore
.44 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
Martin Ringle