Page 76 - Auction84-Book1

LOT 129
Documented Early 18th Century Germanic Flintlock Jaeger Rifle Attributed to Early Use in Pennsylvania - NSN, 62 cal., 27 3/4 inch octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This exact rifle is pictured on page 173 of Harold L. Peterson’s book “Arms and Armor in Colonial America 1526-1783” in which the picture caption states, “German pattern rifle dated 1725 used in Pennsylvania.” This exact rifle is also pictured and described on pages 459-461 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I” in which Moller references this rifle as being in Peterson’s book and further states, “This rifle is presumed to have been brought to North American by one of the German immigrants during the first half of the 18th century.” Faint markings on the top flat of the barrel with a 1725 date (the last digit is faint/partial) at the end. This early jaeger rifle features eight-groove rifling, a low profile blade front sight, fixed V notch rear sight, double set triggers, iron tipped wooden ramrod pipe, sling swivels mounted towards the front of the forend and on the trigger guard, incised and raised relief scroll and floral carving on the stock, sliding patchbox, and an iron trigger guard and buttplate. A period brass band was added to the forestock for reinforcement. The outside of the lock is unmarked, and the underside of the lock is marked with raised letters “RC” in a sunken rectangular cartouche. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a later leather sling. CONDITION: Fair, exhibiting scattered moderate dark pitting and wear from period use on the barrel and smooth brown patina with scattered light pitting on the lock, trigger guard, and buttplate. Stock is also fair as lightly sanded and re-oiled with numerous scattered scratches, dents, chips, old repairs including a period spliced replacement forend, and attractive carvings. Mechanically fine. This early 18th century Germanic flintlock Jaeger rifle with use attributed to the Pennsylvania area is full of character and would make an excellent addition to any early long rifle or pre- Revolutionary War era collection! Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 130
Regimental Marked Jean Claude Niquet of Liege Flintlock Jaeger Rifle with Bayonet - NSN, 62 cal., 28 1/4 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. According to “Der Neue Stockel,” Jean Claude Niquet of Liege, Belgium, was active circa 1778-1803 and delivered 20,000 rifles and 12,000 fusilier sabers to the “Armee patriotique” (patriotic army, possibly Belgian). The lock plate of this rifle is signed “J C Niquet/a Liege” at the center. The inside of the lock is marked with a crown stamp. The octagon barrel features deep seven-groove rifling and is fitted with a dovetail mounted brass blade front sight and a fixed standing V notch rear sight with folding leaf. “4-B-2-C-J9” regimental mark on both the top of the muzzle end of the barrel and on the side of the brass tipped cleaning rod. The stock has carved tear drop flats. Brass fittings throughout including the curved trigger guard and an unmarked oval plate on top of the wrist. An “X” surrounded by two lines is carved into both sides of the buttstock and an “H” is carved into the bottom of the buttstock. Includes a brass handled bayonet and period leather sling. CONDITION: Very good with bright surfaces on the barrel and lock, some scattered light pitting, and crisp markings in the metal. Brass retains an attractive golden aged patina. Stock is very good with scattered scratches and dents, a repaired thin sections on both sides of the barrel channel, some chips around the barrel retaining pins, and a crack ahead of the rear lock screw. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very good with scattered patches of moderate pitting, a few chips on the edges of the blade, and attractive golden aged patina on the brass handle. Included sling is also very good with some light cracking. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 131
Napoleonic Wars Era German Potsdam Model 1810 Flintlock Jaeger Rifle -
NSN, 58 cal., 28 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/bright finish, walnut stock. This German Jaeger rifle is of the style known to have been issued to the Kingdom of Prussia during the Napoleonic Wars. Features eight-groove rifling, a right side mounted lock bar for a sword bayonet, dovetail mounted brass blade front sight, a V notch rear sight with two flip-up leafs, double-set triggers, and brass furniture. A crown above “Potsdam/SS” marked at the center of the lock. A “crown/FW” above what appears to be an “W” is marked at the top left of the breech end of the barrel, and a triangular mark is on the top flat at the breech. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a leather sling, an incorrect socket bayonet, tools and an extra flint in the patchbox. CONDITION: Good as reconverted to flintlock configuration, exhibiting half of an old refinished blue finish on the barrel with scattered brown patina and patches of moderate pitting, some flaking at the muzzle, and a repaired touch hole. Stock is good as lightly sanded and re-oiled with some scattered light scratches, a crack ahead of the rear lock screw, some scattered insect holes on the buttstock, some chips around the patchbox door, and some nails tacked into the right of the buttstock. Mechanically needs adjustment, set trigger will not function properly. Included socket bayonet is fair with mild pitting. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOKS AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. I BY MOLLER AND ARMS AND ARMOR OF COLONIAL AMERICA BY PETERSON
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