September 29, 2021 The Bill Myers Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2021
This rifle was found by Bill Myers in Oswego, New York near Fort Oswego. Swamped and rifled octagon barrel with front brass sight and rear notched sight. Tang with deep sighting groove. Imported English lock plate marked "KETLAND & Co." in center. The brass furniture includes a very early two piece matchbox with deep moldings at top. Early buttplate has faceted tang and measures about 2-1/8" across the center, butt is nearly straight. Buttplate and inside of patchbox show evidence of originally having a sliding wooden patchbox, as there are grooves inside the cavity and a period replaced piece of brass on the buttplate. Early wide faceted trigger guard with screw at rear tang. Early side plate with beveled edges and third screw at tail, profile showing strong Moravian influence. A piece of sheet brass was pinned to the bottom of the forend during the period of use, due to saddle wear. Brass ramrod ferrules and nose cap. Oval shaped silver wrist escutcheon with block letter initials "EH" in center. Highly figured tiger maple stock of attractive form with a relief molded cheekpiece on left side. CONDITION: Completely as found and untouched. Barrel retains a pleasing dark patina. Original lock is in its original flintlock configuration and retains a dark patina matching that of the barrel. Lock functions properly but spring is a little weak. Brass retains a pleasing dark mustard patina. Patchbox lid has a period modified catch and retaining nail. Back of trigger guard tang shows a period crack. Stock retains its original surface. A few horizontal cracks and minor splintering on both sides of forend along barrel. Original hickory ramrod. An early and attractive untouched rifle. DMG