September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
John Noll lived between 1747 and 1824. He made rifles in the late 18th and early 19th century. He began working in Lancaster and Franklin counties in Pennsylvania and is considered one of the premier Golden Age makers. The rifle is signed "IN" in the wood behind the sideplate. On pg. 506 of "The Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age", Joe Kindig, Jr. stated that "John Noll was one of the really great master gunsmiths during the Golden Age of the Kentucky rifle. He made beautiful long slender guns." This rifle certainly fits that profile. For an example of a rifle with very similar relief carving, see No. 241 on page 513 of "The Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age". The delicate rifle features a full octagon barrel with a brass front blade sight on brass block and an engraved iron notched rear sight. It is likely that Noll also made the lockplate with its deep flute at the tail with engraved line on each side. The brass furniture includes a large 4-piece patchbox with edelweiss finial. The lid is engraved with a bow and 2 detailed tomahawks. The skirts and finial are profusely engraved. The flat sideplate is of classic Noll design and is engraved with shaded scrolls and a center pendant with teat, back engraved with a small checkered panel. Buttplate with faceted tang with round patchbox release button. Faceted trigger guard and ramrod ferrules. The 4 barrel keys are also brass. The partially figured maple stock is of Franklin County form with detailed relief and incised designs around the barrel tang, behind the ramrod entry ferrule, and a masterful design behind the cheekpiece. There are also scrolls on both sides of the wrists. Relief panels around lock and sideplate terminating in teardrops. The original ramrod features a turned rope-stained design. CONDITION: Completely as-found and untouched, in near workbench condition. Shows little use and has been well cared for. Barrel retains its original brown finish with patination on top. Lock was converted to percussion during the period and retains a brown patina. Lock mechanism is strong and functions well. Brass retains an untouched dark patina throughout. Stock is crisp with crisp carving and its original finish. A couple minor scattered marks and one small chip above tail of lockplate. This is a beautiful Golden Age relief-carved Kentucky by a renowned maker.
Caliber/Bore
.54 Smoothbore