March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
Octagonal steel side by side rifled barrels with solid rib signed "John Moll" in script with exceptionally long tang; centered rear sight and dovetailed brass front sight. Appears to be original length. Both flintlock lockplates marked "Sharpe." Double triggers. Brass furniture includes engraved two-piece patchbox typical of Moll, decorated with borders, checkered triangle above lid, and stylized half moon or "D" on lid; stylized, brass pin fastened fleur-de-lis finial. Engraved Moll toeplate, Engraved silver Moravian star inside engraved brass oval inlay. Figured and faux striped full-length maple stock. Relief carving around each lock; left side of buttstock and both sides of wrist are incised-carved "C" scrolls and carved around barrel tang. Relief carved moldings on each side of ramrod channel and incised "C" scrolls and heart carved around entry ferrule. Wooden ramrod. For a similar rifle with nearly identical carving, see the signed John Moll on page 182, No. 65 of "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age" by Joe Kindig, Jr. Very good condition, barrels retain a brown patina with scattered areas of pitting and marks from use, left bore heavily worn. Locks probably reconverted to flint, retain a dark grey patina. Brass unpolished, patchbox engraving is somewhat worn. Stock very good, as refinished. A few small age cracks and scattered marks from use.