3338 OUTSTANDING HARPERS FERRY MODEL 1803 US FLINTLOCK

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 9,500.00 USD
Estimated at 19,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
RIFLE. Cal. 54. NSN. First of the U.S. regulation flintlock rifles, 4,023 manufactured 1803-07. Later production of 15,703 manufactured 1813-20. The graceful lines and Kentucky rifle influenced styling add to the popularity of this desirable rifle. Bbl. 33 3/8" octagon to round with faceted transition. Bbl. has no provision for bayonet use. Seven groove rifling. Dovetail mounted brass blade front sight with fixed V notch rear sight. Left bbl. flat has an eagle's head over P and oval US proof marks. Tapered tip iron ramrod held on iron underrib by 2 faceted iron pipes. Lock plate has American eagle motif forward of the hammer with Harper's Ferry & 1814 date behind the hammer. Integral forged iron flashpan with fence at rear. Plain trigger. Half length walnut stock with small cheek plate is fastened by a single key. Brass fittings include patchbox, buttplate, trigger guard, trigger plate, side plate, ornate thimble and forearm tip band. Left ear of stock has a nicely struck inspector's cartouche that appears to be a "U / H" behind side plate with a "V / MH" at the rear point. Toeline of stock behind trigger guard tang has a weakly visible eagle marking over letter "B". CONDITION: NRA Antique, very good to fine. Bbl. retains over 30% browned finish blending with intermittent corrosion & very light pitting. Lock plate retains spots of bright finish in protected areas with balance having acquired a brown patina with spots of corrosion and very light pitting. Other iron parts have a brown patina appearance. Stock retains unsanded original finish with excellent inspector markings showing wear spots with scattered small dents and handling marks. Left ear has a small crack extending from side plate to bbl. channel. Brass fittings have acquired a mild patina that may indicate cleaning in the distant past. Lock has crisp operation. Bore is dark with pitting and retains strong rifling. (01-24665/DS). ANTIQUE. $19,000-25,000.