August 2009 (3)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/14/2009
Circa 1810 to 1820. OL: 59 - 1/2". BL: 44". TB: Octagonal. LM: Flintlock. Obvious re-conversion. PB: 4-piece. S: Curly Maple. SR: Patched under the full length of the lock to where it meets the trigger guard. Incise carving. 14 silver inlays. This unsigned rifle, obviously by the highly desirable maker Melchoir Fordney of Lancaster, has an exceptionally good curly maple stock with one large patch. The eight German silver inlays along both sides of the forestock are later additions. All of the brass hardware is finely engraved and the rifle's stock has exceptionally good incised carving with a very sculptured, bold cheekpiece. Overall, this rifle is a very fine example of his work and is worthy of more careful attention.