October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
This rifle is featured on pages 209-210 of "Moravian Gunmaking II" by Robert Lienneman. It was also exhibited in the Moravian Rifle's President's display in June 2019 at the Kentucky Rifle Association annual convention. The similarities in the carving identify this rifle to be by the same hand as No. 42 in George Shumway's "Rifles of Colonial American Vol. I". According to the wood analysis results by Alden Identification Service in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, the wood has been identified as birch. There are five species in Eastern North America. A copy of this letter is included. This early rifle shows heavy German and European influence. The full length octagonal barrel has a swamped muzzle and a brass dovetailed front sight as well as an iron rear sight. On the top near the breech there is a dagger stamp which has also been observed on several other early American arms. The massive early banana lock measures 7" overall and has beveled edges as well as two molded sections at the tail. The center is engraved "POTZDAM MAGAZ.". The brass furniture includes an early trigger guard retained on the back tang with a screw as can be observed in other early Moravian, as well as Bucks County rifles. Both the front and the rear trigger guard finials are in the shape of a trefoil. The iron floorplate also terminates in a trefoil and the trigger has a heavy rearward curl, which was also common on early Moravian and Bucks County firearms. The brass buttplate tang also terminates with a trefoil, as well as the ramrod entry ferrule tang. There are flower shaped brass inlays around both of the lock retaining screws. The full length birch stock is of classic early form and has a curved relief cheekpiece with incised floral scrolls on both sides. The right side of the buttstock shows incised engraving stemming from the comb into the buttstock with flowing foliate scrolls and terminating in three folky flowers. There are relief carved panels terminating in teardrops around the lock and sideplate. There is another relief trefoil carved around the barrel tang. There is incised cameo carving around the front of the trigger guard terminating in a trefoil. There is relief cameo carving around the ramrod entry ferrule. There is a horn nosecap at the tip. Complete with a period, proper, probably original, horn tipped wooden ramrod with an original iron worm at the opposite end. CONDITION: Barrel retains a mottled grey patina and lock retains a matching patina. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and shows some light scattered pitting. Brass retains a mostly dark, mustard, unpolished patina. The front three ramrod ferrules are contemporary replacements. A small portion of the buttplate tang has been professionally restored. The stock retains much of its dark original finish, showing some wear in handling areas, about 32" of the forend have been professionally restored. A couple minor pieces have been replaced around the lock and there is a small chip in front of the lock tang. Complete with the wood analysis results and wood sample. A very nice and early rifle with a Moravian attribution. PROVENANCE: Purchased from David Kleiner.
Caliber/Bore
.70 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
Moravian, Attributed
Paperwork
Wood Test Results & Sample