September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
45" barrel, .36bore-FlintlockThis early Flintlock Pennsylvanian long rifle does not bare a signature of any maker on the barrel. The lock is stamped F. Flemming and has what is referred to as a horse head patch box which according to Merrill Lindsay in his book the Kentucky rifle states that the horse head patch box is usually attributed to Littlestown. We found several variations of the horse patch box in Kentucky Rifle patch boxes Vol. 2. We found an example by Fordney (168), Koones(233), Shriver(348), none of which were like this particular horse patch box. The consigner, in his research attributed this rifle to the north Carolina region which was based on the elliptical barrel retaining key plates on forend but the elliptical plates on this rifle are purely decorative and not made for barrel key. In addition the patch box is not signed as is typical of the North Carolina rifles, and this rifle has a more new England look about it. That said the rifle features a full length stock with the striped patterned walnut stock. Has horse head brass patch box on right side that does not close tightly. It has an iron wrap around butt plate and has a full octagon barrel, 3 brass rod retaining thimbles, barrel wedges do not have plates. Has a brass forend tip, fixed rear sight with a low dove tail brass front, double triggers with not set screw, has some simple brass decoration on the left side and a previous owner carved the initials R D S, The decorations on the left side are primitive in execution, the trigger guard and barrel are a deep dark chocolate brown with an overall rough surface with some substantial pitting at ignition point. The stock is very good and is dark and checked on the left side as exposed to heat or flame. There is a brass toe plate with some light engraving, with some darkening on top of the wrist. Very early mid 18th century long rifle.