October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
Jacob Doll was a York, Pennsylvania gunsmith. This rifle is in the style of the 1792 Contract rifles, but is not marked with US Government or Pennsylvania inspection or proofmarks. This suggests that it was possibly made for militia use. The deeply rifled iron barrel is octagonal with the last 2-7/16" being round for a bayonet attachment. The barrel is fitted with a bayonet lug on the bottom and rifle sights on the top flat. The top flat is signed "I. DOLL" in large stamped block letters. Flat unmarked lockplate with beveled edges and a molding at the tail. The brass furniture is slightly more decorative than most known examples of contract rifles. It has a four piece patchbox with convex lid and stylized acorn finial. The faceted trigger guard is fitted with an iron sling swivel, the other sling swivel is located below the first ramrod ferrule. The plain maple stock is of York County form and has a relief cheekpiece on the left side with two iron loops for a touch hole pick. The stock terminates at the end of the octagonal section and is fitted with a brass nosecap. Barrel is retained by three iron keys. The rifle is complete with a period wooden ramrod and the proper triangular socket bayonet, which is also unmarked. CONDITION: Very good, overall. Barrel retains a dark brown surface with some minor corrosion around the touch hole. Signature is crisp. Lock appears to be in its original flintlock configuration, does not hold on full cock. Lock retains a grey patina. Brass retains an unpolished mustard patina, toeplate is absent. Stock very good, retaining most of its original finish with scattered marks from use. Bayonet good and retaining a grey patina. Complete with a pewter Kentucky Rifle Association tag inscribed "President's Display 2015". A fine York, Pennsylvania military style rifle. DMG