November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
This profusely decorated and elaborate rifle features a nautical patchbox with two three-masted ships. There are no other known examples with ships on the patchbox. The rifle also features 15 Mother of Pearl inlays, almost all of them engraved and 14 engraved silver inlays. The rifle features a octagonal rifled steel barrel signed on top flat "J. THOMAS", stamped in block letters. Engraved with branches on tang, at breech, and both in front of and behind both sights. Flat stamp engraved percussion lockplate stamped "WARRANTED" in center, features double set triggers. Brass furniture includes a finely engraved four-piece patchbox with eight piercings and a four-pointed edelweiss flower finial. The lid engraved with two detailed ships. Three-piece inlaid partitioned sideplate engraved with a small patriotic eagle, a faux screw, and other designs. Engraved silver inlaid fish and acorns on each side of forend, oval inlay above cheek piece displays a very well engraved patriotic eagle with "E. PLURIBUS UNUM" banner in its beak. Brass forearm saddle wear plate and partial comb plate engraved with branches and an arrow pointing towards the muzzle. Mother of Pearl inlays include four acorns, two are engraved, and a series of diamonds behind the cheekpiece. Full length figured maple stock. Faceted triggerguard and ramrod ferrules. Replaced wooden ramrod. Very good condition, overall, with barrel retaining an even brown patina and showing some light freckling near breech and around bolster. Rifle has probably been shortened about one to two inches. Lock retains a brown patina with some spotting in center. Brass retains a mellowing patina, engraving on patchbox shows almost no wear. Some inlays show some wear to engraving, minor cracks, and a few small chips. Stock very good, showing some light wear and with two minor chips from front triggerguard pin and a few minor age cracks and marks from use, overall a very nice piece of wood with minimal repairs. This is a very attractive and original example with a rare nautical patchbox and more than 30 inlays, displays very well!