October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
The fully octagonal barrel has a brass front sight and an iron rear sight centered on the block. Both have engraved lines in front of and behind them on the top flat. The barrel is signed in script "John Moll No 3 1817". The flat lockplate is engraved with designs and marked "T DEAN" in the center. The brass furniture includes the classic two piece Moll patchbox with stylized Fleur-de-Lis finial, and a convex lid inscribed with a stylized "D" as well as a duck. Typical Lehigh buttplate and flat sideplate terminating with an arrow in the back. The small toeplate is engraved with a flower around the screw and the brass nosecap is open-ended, exposing the wood, as is typically seen in Lehigh County. Maple stock of early Lehigh form with stepped wrist and a carved small cheekpiece on the left side of the buttstock. The stock is decorated entirely with faux striping. Complete with its original wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a brown patina showing some wear to signature and some scattered denting. Lock retains a grey patina and has been professionally reconverted to flint. Brass furniture is unpolished and retains a dark mustard patina. The stock retains most of its original faux striped finish with some wear in typical areas from carrying. A very attractive, signed and dated Lehigh County rifle with a great folk art appearance and excellent architecture. CORRECTION: PROVENANCE: Purchased from Frank Kobilis.
Caliber/Bore
.52 Smoothbore