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LOT 3247
Well-Documented Martin Shell Signed Engraved and Relief
Carved Dauphin School Golden Age Flintlock American Long
Rifle - NSN, 40 cal., 42 7/8 inch octagon bbl., antiqued brown/brass
finish, curly maple stock. Martin Shell Jr. (1763-1817) was taxed as
a gunsmith in Paxton Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania,
from 1790 until his death per the Kentucky Rifle Foundation. They
note that he “was the maker of many of the golden-age specimens
which reflect the Dauphin school at its finest. Rifles signed ‘Martin
Shell’ are rare.” His sons John, Jacob, and Daniel Shell were also all
gunsmiths. This rifle is featured on page 50 of “Kentucky Rifles &
Pistols, 1750-1850” by the Kentucky Rifle Association and James R.
Johnston and is listed as “Dauphin School. Made by Martin Shell.
Hanover Twp., Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Length 58-1/4 inches.
Octagonal barrel 43 inches long. .48 cal rifled. Butt plate 1-1/2
inches. Relief-carved curly maple. Jay Hopkins collection.” The
octagonal barrel is signed “M * Shell” on top of the breech section
and is smoothbore and measures approximately .40 caliber. It is
equipped with traditional dovetailed blade and notch sights, a
plain single trigger, and a lock marked “T/KETLAND/& Co”.
As pictured & described in Kentucky Rifles
& Pistols, 1750-1850 by Johnston & the
Kentucky Rifle Association