May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
Probably circa 1780-1790, this rifle features a round rifled tapered barrel with half-moon front sight and notched iron rear sight mounted on top, towards breech. The English lockplate is marked "KETLAND / & Co." in the center. The brass furniture includes a buttplate with engraved four-stage tang, engraved sideplate, and trigger guard with acorn front finial tang. Ramrod ferrules are also brass. Cherry stock of classic New England form and displaying a French influence. Relief carved panels around lock and sideplate terminate in teardrops. Iron ramrod is a more modern replacement. CONDITION: Barrel retains a heavy brown patina, bore also heavily patinated with clear rifling grooves. Lock is in its original flintlock configuration and functions properly, retaining a matching dark undisturbed patina. Brass retains a mellow mustard patina and shows scattered marks from use. Ramrod entry ferrule tang is absent and ferrule dented. Stock has a chip at the toe, some thin splinters absent along barrel on both sides, and scattered marks from use. Stock retains an original untouched surface. A fine and early New England rifle. DMG