October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
For an example made by the same hand, see pages 57-58 of "Accouterments V" by James R. Johnston. The example in the book has the same elongated brass nosecap and the same face seen on the triggerguard bow. This mid-18th century fusil has an unmarked two-stage smoothbore steel barrel terminating at muzzle with an elongated brass nose-cap of 3-3/4" and engraved with two wedding bands. Caps of this type are seen on early New England arms, especially in Massachusetts. There is a small rectangular front sight mounted on top of the barrel, near the muzzle. The early lockplate is rounded and engraved with scrolls, detached pan and arrow-shaped frizzen spring finial. The European-style brass furniture includes an un-engraved buttplate, pierced sideplate engraved with foliate scrolls, and ornate triggerguard with relief mask on bow and terminating at the front with a pine tree finial. Sheet brass ramrod ferrules. Walnut stock of early form with relief beaver tail around barrel tang. Complete with its original wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a dark patina and shows some edge wear. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and retains matching patina. Brass retains a mellowing patina ans shows some wear and minor marks from use. Stock retains an original surface with some dry areas around lock and barrel tang, otherwise some minor scattered marks from use. A fantastic and very early New England fusil. PROVENANCE: Found in recent years by an antique dealer in an Oldtown, Maine attic.
Caliber/Bore
.65 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
Massachusetts Attributed