January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
Frederick Sell was born in 1781 and died in 1869. He worked in York County, Pennsylvania. The late Joe Kindig, Jr. regarded Frederick Sell as one of the most important gunsmiths of the "Golden Age". This attractive pistol, although unsigned, is clearly the work of Frederick Sell, as it has his signature relief-scroll carving surrounding the barrel tang. Also, the finely engraved triggerguard finial is indicative of his style. The pistol has a round, smoothbore iron barrel with partially visible British proofs on the left side of the breech and "LONDON" stamped on the top, surrounded by a classic English border, a brass blade sight is dovetailed in near the muzzle. The flat lockplate is marked "KETLAND/& Co." in the center and features single engraved line borders. Brass furniture includes an oval wrist escutcheon, pommel cap, nosecap, single ramrod ferrule, two piece sideplate and triggerguard. Plain maple stock with shaped relief-carved panels around lock and sideplate and relief scroll carving around barrel tang. Complete with brass tipped wooden ramrod with iron worm at tip. CONDITION: Barrel retains a grey patina showing some minor freckling. Lock retains a matching patina and appears to be in its original flintlock configuration. Cock was broken and neck is repaired, small crack on post. Brass retains a mellow patina with crisp engraving, back of triggerguard tang has a period break and repair. Stock very good and retaining a dark period finish, some scattered marks and a minor chip behind triggerguard tang. Some finish loss to high edges. A very attractive York pistol in untouched condition.
Caliber/Bore
.68 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
Frederick Sell, Attributed
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Pistol