December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
This rifle is composed of mostly early John Moll parts, including the barrel, patchbox, wrist escutcheon, silver star, and sideplate. The rifle was probably made around 1820-30 because of the style of the lock. The 2-stage smoothbore barrel features a silver front sight and a notched iron rear sight centered on a brass block. Top flat inscribed "John (engraved flower) Moll". The lockplate features a round rear tang and stamped engraving, center with partially visible marking "ARMS----- / PHILADELPHIA". There are 12 total silver inlays. The engraved Moravian star on the cheekpiece was from a Moll rifle, as well as the engraved oval wrist escutcheon. There are 10 plain unengraved inlays, including 8 oval inlays along the barrel and a teardrop on each side of the wrist. The early 2-piece Lehigh County Moll patchbox features engraved borders, a fleur-de-lis finial and a cast lid with raised convex panel inscribed "B C B". The brass buttplate, long unengraved toeplate, and later Lehigh trigger guard were made around when the rifle was stocked. The open ended nose cap and ferrules also appear to be from the earlier Moll rifle. The figured maple stock shows heavy Lehigh influence with some Upper Susquehanna attributes. CONDITION: Barrel retains a light grey patina, signature shows some wear. Lock is a reconversion and has a mixed dark and light patina, corroded in center. Brass shows heavy wear and retains a pleasing mustard patina. The stock has a period repaired back above the back of the lock and some scattered age cracks and marks from use. A very nice rifle. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.58 Smoothbore