April 9th & 10th Premier Firearms Sale (MFIRE)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/9/2016
Caliber .70 bore, Barrel length 42". This is a highly unusual smooth bore Pennsylvania rifle with the heavy octagon barrel that measures 1/2" at flat. It is a flintlock, signed "W. McClure on top barrel flat at breech. Full striped stock with brass forend tip, brass tipped rod is retained by three brass trumpets, simple leaf sporting rear sight and small dove tail blade front. Lock is maker stamped in an oval with three letters (appears to be TOW). Single trigger, heavy brass trigger guard and butt plate but no heal plate. Barrel is pinned, no patch box. Rear tang screw is loose and there is a small crack at rear tang. Brass left side plate, small Pennsylvania cheek piece. Stock is unadorned. This is an early classic, maker sign, Pennsylvania long rifle with the heavy octagon barrel, large bore, no rifling, that was manufactured by William McClure of Columbia, Pennsylvania, (Lancaster County). The barrel is a dark deep rich chocolate patina, lock is light patina, stock is in excellent condition with no cracks or major chips of any kind. Clean bore in working condition. This is the first 70 smooth bore, classic Pennsylvania that we have seen.