Lot 728: Smola and Mulford Contemporary Flintlock American Long Rifle

The lock is signed "Smola" (Chuck Smola), and the side plate is signed "D. Mulford" (Dennis Mulford). One breech is inscribed "No. 91," and the other is inscribed with "Aug 1983." The barrels are 31 inches including the breech plugs which have bright steel vent liners, and are equipped with traditional blade and notch sights. The metal features crisp scroll and border engraving, and the beautifully figured wood has exceptional raised relief floral and scroll carving, molding, and wire and pin accents. The wooden patchbox contains spare flints, a worm, and a fouling scraper. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very fine as expertly custom made with 97% plus of the dark brown finish, some minor wear and oxidation by the vents, light patina forming on the otherwise bright steel components, mild wear on the frizzen faces, and attractive natural aged patinas on the brass and silver. The engraving and markings remain exceptionally crisp. The wood is also very fine and has beautiful figure, crisp carving, a minor scrape at the heel on the right, and minimal light handling marks. Overall, a beautiful contemporary flintlock double rifle.