February 2010 (1)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2010
OL: 74". BL: 58". TB: Octagonal to round. PB: None. S: Curly maple. School: Pennsylvania or Middle Atlantic. This “wall” (or fort) gun is plain but very rare and has its original curly maple stock fully intact. Originally, this gun was an earlier flintlock, still having its original 1754 or earlier French lock intact, although now in percussion. The triggerguard is from a British Sea Service or Queen Anne muishot, as are some of the ramrod ferrules. There is a later addition of leather (probably stuffed with horse-hair) to minimize the impact of the re-coil when the gun was fired. While this is not an eye pleasing gun, except for the beautiful curly maple stock with its old patina, its importance is significant. Perhaps, a re-conversion (correctly done) and possibly removing the later leather addition would add to its overall appearance. Then again, there are some who may wish to preserve it in its current condition. This would make a good institutional piece as this type of gun was far more common than the survival rate would indicate.