October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
This rifle was obviously created on special order. It is the only known iron mounted Moll rifle and possibly the only Lehigh County iron mounted rifle in existence. David Moll (1807 – 1853) was the brother of John Jr. and Peter Moll. David joined his brother, Peter, in Hellerstown in the late 1820’s. Together they formed the P&D Moll gunshop of Hellerstown. They are well known for their high grade pistols and fine rifles. This rifle has a full octagonal barrel signed "P&D Moll Hellerstown" om script on the top flat near the breech. There are concentric circles engraved on the muzzle face. Dovetailed brass front sight and iron rear sight on brass block decorated by a line in front and behind both sights. The flat lockplate is inscribed "LONDON" in the center and has a roller frizzen. All of the furniture on the rifle, which is typically brass, is done in iron. Classic iron Moll two piece patchbox with single line borders. Iron buttplate with faceted tang and toeplate. Iron Lehigh trigger guard with lug in front of the bow. Flat, later Lehigh County sideplate. Iron ramrod ferrules and open ended iron nosecap. Full length maple stock of classic Lehigh County form with stepped wrist and double line borders along both sides of forend and both sides of buttstock. The entire stock is decorated with faux striping. CONDITION: Barrel retains a grey patina showing some light corrosion near breech and some wear to edges and markings. Lock retains a matching patina with some freckling. Iron furniture was cleaned at one time and retains a lightly pitted, grey patina. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration. Stock very good, retaining most of its original striping; one minor area of wood loss just behind pan at breech, and one crack between sideplate and barrel. Complete with period ramrod. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.54 Smoothbore
Paperwork
Prev description, display plaque