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LOT 249
Incredible Finely Engraved and German Silver
Mounted American Four-Barrel “Mule Ear” Combination Gun - NSN, 28 gauge, 27 inch solid rib bbl., brown/bright finish, walnut stock. This fascinating combination gun has
two 28 gauge smoothbore barrels over two .38 caliber
rifled barrels. The upper rib is fitted with a blade front
and adjustable notch rear sights with ornate finials and inlaid with
silver and gold at the breech. The gun is equipped with two back action locks.
Each lock has two hammers; one for the upper barrel and one for the lower barrel
on their respective sides. Only one hammer can be cocked at a time. They are fired
using a single trigger. The locks have floral scroll and border engraving. The spurred trigger guard has an engraved scene with a bald eagle on the bow. The other components mainly have scroll and
floral engraving. The bottom of the buttstock has a small compartment, and there is a “cap box” on each side. Opening the box on
the left side reveals a compass. The left side of the butt also has dog and bird inlay, and the right side has two stars. There are also engraved strips, and attractive engraved German silver repair plates. The writer does not recall seeing a more elegant wrist repair.
CONDITION: Very good with mostly dark brown patina along the barrels, some pitting around the nipples, gray patina and distinct engraving on the locks, lightly aged patina and mostly crisp engraving on the German silver furniture and accents, and mild overall wear. The lower barrel pin is absent. The left hammers are broken (one striking face absent); otherwise, it is mechanically fine. The stock is also very good with a well-executed period wrist repair, attractive figure, glossy finish, and minor scratches and dings. This is a very interesting American muzzleloading combination gun. You don’t find four barrel combination guns very often, and you almost never find them with so many attractive German silver accents. Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500
LOT 250
Finely Engraved American Half-Stock Percussion Rifle with Attractive German Silver Inlaid Stock - NSN, 45 cal.,
38 3/8 inch octagon bbl., brown finish, walnut stock. Features blade and notch sights, double set triggers, scroll engraved and German silver banded breech plug, engraved and “MOORE” marked lock, thirteen engraved German silver inlays/accents
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(including an attractive patriotic spread wing eagle and shield cheekpiece inlay), engraved patch box, toe plate with decorative finial, and smooth half-stock with incised lines on the cheek piece.
CONDITION: Very good with dark brown patina and mild oxidation and pitting on the lock and barrel, reworked tang, lightly aged inlays, attractive aged patina on the brass, and mild overall wear. The stock is also very good and has some repairs by the lock, minor chips along the edges, and some scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000