Page 52 - Auction84-Book2

AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. 1 BY MOLLER
(French & Indian War in North America) and noted that in 1757 the Board of Ordnance ordered a reserve of 2,000 of these distinctive “Carbines without Bayonets for Horse” be stored in the Tower of London. The main difference from the light dragoon carbines is that the stock runs all the way to the muzzle and has a rounded front sight rather than a bayonet stud. A saddle ring bar is fitted via the rear lock screw and a screw through the forend behind the ramrod entry pipe. The barrel has a partially unclear unit marking starting with “I TROOP” followed by two fainter words. The lock has “EDGE/1762” on the tail and the Georgian cipher at center. Aside from the saddle ring and bar, the furniture is brass. Few of these are available to collectors, and at least one of the other examples is also marked “EDGE” and dated “1762.” CONDITION: Good with dark brown patina and extensive pitting visible on the barrel and lock, attractive aged patina on the brass furniture, and moderate overall wear suggesting real period use during the second half of the 18th century, possibly including during the American Revolution. Moller oted the top jaw and jaw screw are replacements (refinished) and the nose of the stock was lowered. The refinished stock has a spliced forend, chips and repairs around the lock mortise, some thin cracks, some loss at the toe and edges, and general mild wear. The mainspring is a bit weak; otherwise, mechanically fine. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 1083
Documented Early 18th Century Liege French Flintlock Trade Musket - NSN, 69 gauge, 45 9/16 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This Liege-made French flintlock trade gun was manufactured some time in the early half of the 18th century for the fur trade in the French North American colonies, with most supplied to Canada and others sent to New Orleans and the Caribbean islands. These were referred as “fusils de chasse” or “hunting guns” and supplied by the French government. These Liege-made trade guns are described on pages 86-87 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I” with this exact musket pictured on both pages. Features include a small blade front sight and a full length stock with no barrel bands and iron fittings besides the brass end cap and ramrod pipes. “J. Valet/A Liege” (Jean Valet, maker) marked at the center of the lock, which shares similarities to a French Model 1728 lock with slight visual differences. There are several makers named Jean Valet are recorded as working in Saint Etienne at various time frames between 1729-1782, and the only period gunsmith found working in Liege is named Jean Vallet who was active between 1762-1780. “I*R” marked on the side plate. Faint remnants of markings are visible on the top left flat of the breech end of the barrel with one that appears to be a crown or “JD” or “JL” proof. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. For more information on similar examples, reference the book “The French Trade Gun in North America 1662-1759” by Kevin Gladysz. CONDITION: Good, exhibiting smooth brown patina overall with scattered light pitting and wear, a touched up spot of refinished blue finish visible at the rear of the barrel tang, and crisp lock markings. Stock is also good as lightly sanded and re-oiled with scattered scratches and dents, numerous repaired sections along the barrel channel, numerous scattered cracks, some chips and repairs around the lock, and a chip at the toe. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
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LOT 1082
Scarce Documented 1762 Dated English Flintlock Horseman’s Carbine -
NSN, 69 cal., 37 1/8 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This carbine is featured on page 264 of “American Military Shoulder Arms, Vol. 1” by George Moller and
has his discreet collection mark by the toe. He noted that it was made during the Seven Years’ War
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. 1 BY MOLLER
LOT 1084
French & Indian War Era Officer’s Private Purchase Attributed Flintlock Carbine - NSN, 72 cal., 37 1/4 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. George Moller noted it as a “British carbine for horse, officer’s private purchase, circa 1760s.”The barrel has a rounded blade front sight and London proofs and unclear markings at the breech. The lock has scroll engraving and is
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crudely signed “BUCKMASTER”. A sling bar and ring are mounted on the left side. The other furniture is brass and has border and floral engraving. The wrist escutcheon is inscribed “8.” “GDM” (George D. Moller) is marked by the toe. CONDITION: Fair as reconverted to flintlock configuration with a remarked lock, repaired barrel tang, moderate pitting concentrated at the breech, gray and brown patina on the remaining surfaces of the lock and barrel, attractive aged patina on the brass furniture, and moderate overall wear. The re-oiled stock is also fair and has a 9-10 inch spliced section on the forend, chips around the lock mortise and barrel tang, sliver absent along the left side at the breech, and scattered dings and scratches. Mechanically needs work: the frizzen does not engage the frizzen spring, and the trigger does not properly engage the sear. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
Exceptional Quality Faceted Steel Hilt Court Sword - 32
inch triangular blade with each flute engraved about 7-1/2
inches. The faceted steel hilt is cut and pierced with extra brilliants added for reflective qualities. The rear of the front
guard is cut in the same way. English, 18th century. No scabbard. CONDITION: Very fine. The blade has a light gray patina. The hilt is bright with much reflective action.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 1085