December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
This rifle is featured on pg. 36 of "Accouterments V" bye James R. Johnston. This unsigned rifle shows influence from earlier Moravian makers located in the Christian Springs and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania areas. The rifle features a slender tapered 2-stage barrel. The early Germanic lockplate has beveled edges and a molding at the tail. The classic brass furniture of Lehigh County. The 2-piece patchbox has a raised panel on the cast lid and an engraved stylized reverse "C" around the rivet, a signature of the Moll family. The stylized fleur-de-lis finial is retained by 3 screws and is decorated with engraved floral around screw, a triangular checkered panel, and some borders. The classic Lehigh sideplate terminates with an arrow at the tail. The wide buttplate measures 1-7/8" across, indicating circa 1785 manufacture, in consideration of the very slight crescent. Faceted ramrod ferrules and triggerguard. Slender and petite tiger maple stock of classic Lehigh County form. Relief carved Lancaster C-scrolls along with foliate designs on the left side of the buttstock. 1 piece of brass wire is still present in front of the patchbox. However, the many incised cuts forming scrolls on both sides of the wrist indicate extensive brass wire inlaid decoration was once present. There is a classic Allentown "Indian" or "Liberty head" incise carved in front of the trigger guard's front tang. There are shaped relief panels surrounding the lock and sideplate, both terminating in teardrops. There is a classic Moravian style foliate motif carved around the barrel tang and ramrod entry ferrule. Complete with its original wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a dark surface. Lock is a good reconversion and retains a dark patina. Brass retains a mustard patina. Toeplate missing 3 pins, ramrod entry ferrule shows heavy wear, and there is a hairline crack on rear trigger guard tang. Stock shows heavy use and wear, much of the carving is now smooth. Scattered chips, cracks and splitters. Most notable losses are above lockplate and toe on left side. A very important and attractive early Lehigh rifle that shows the Moravian connection. DMG
Caliber/Bore
.52 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
John Moll Jr., Attributed