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LOT 245
Exceptional Samuel St. Clair Silver Inlaid, Engraved, and Incised Carved Flintlock American
Long Rifle - NSN, 45 cal., 39 5/8 inch octagon bbl., blue/bright/silver finish, curly maple stock. The barrel is
signed “S+S” for Samuel St. Clair (1793-1849) of Snyder County and Juniata County, Pennsylvania. Many of the details resemble other rifles signed “S.H. St. Clair.” The eight-groove rifled barrel also has light circle designs on the muzzle and traditional blade and notch sights. The
rifle has a “LONDON/WARRANTED” lock with a frizzen spring roller and double phase double set triggers. The
rifle has brass furniture, including a wear plate on the grasping section of the forend, a four-piece patchbox
with pierced sideplate and finial designs, a long comb plate, and a rectangular toe plate. The furniture
features light wavy line, scroll, and floral engraving. The rifle also features twelve silver inlays with wavy
line borders. The inlay on the cheekpiece is in the shape of a crescent moon in the same pattern as
others from this riflemaker. The highly figured stock has incised molding at the front of and below the flats, along the bottom of the butt, and along the ramrod channel and incised scroll, floral, and checkered designs on the left side of the butt.
CONDITION: Fine overall with a brown patina along the barrel, some minor pitting, mix of gray and brown patina on the lock, attractive aged patina on the silver and brass, and fairly light overall wear. The stock is also very fine and has distinct carving, stunning flame figure, minor flash wear at the breech, a crack in the left flat, and some light scratches. Mechanically excellent.
You will look for a long time to find a finer example of an American flintlock long rifle! Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
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