May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
Frederick Sell worked in York, Pennsylvania and is one of the premier and most desirable Kentucky rifle makers. This example features an octagonal barrel with a brass front sight and notched rear sight. The hand-engraved lockplate was engraved by Sell and designs correspond to those engraved on patchbox. It is in its original percussion configuration and is unmarked. Iron trigger has a rearward curl. The brass furniture includes a pierced and engraved four-piece patchbox and an engraved sideplate. Brass buttplate with inlaid extension at tang. The relief carved tiger maple stock is fastened to barrel with brass keys. The wrist is sleeved with relief carving on both sides. Left side of buttstock extensively carved with classic and unmistakeable Frederick Sell designs. Relief scroll carving on top, around barrel tang, and relief panels around lock and sideplate. CONDITION: Barrel retains a brown patina with some corrosion at breech and around percussion bolster. Lock retains a brown patina and is functional. Brass retains a pleasing patina. Stock retains most of its period heavy coat of red-tinted finish. Some thin slivers replaced along both sides of fore-end, along barrel. A piece has been replaced above front of lockplate as well as the section between the top of the lock and barrel tang. Two small ovoid-shaped pieces replaced on right side of wrist. Stock shows some thinning and wear to finish, scattered marks from use. Ramrod is a modern replacement. A very nice relief carved Golden Age Kentucky rifle by one of the finest makers. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.50 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
Frederick Sell, Attributed