Full Stock Flintlock Smooth Rifle by John Moll Jr.
About .62 caliber smoothbore. Pinned 41.5" octagonal barrel. SN: NSN. Oxidized metal, brass furniture, faux striped full-length hardwood stock. Top of barrel signed in script John Moll J. Lightly engraved commercial flint lock is reconverted from percussion and appears to be a replacement as it is ill-fitting and the mortise shows some crude chiseling on the interior to improve the fit. Flat geometric brass two-screw side plate and spur triggerguard are typical of furniture used by Moll and appear on other rifles by him. Additionally mounted with a brass buttplate and toe plate, sheet brass nose cap, two-piece patchbox with rudimentary daisy head, some simple engraving and the release in the butt, which measures 1.67" at the widest point. Wood ramrod secured by two brass thimbles and an entry pipe. Dovetailed fixed-notch rear sight and dovetailed brass blade front sight. Stock with graceful Roman nosed styling and incised lines carved along the toe line of the stock as well as long the forend and raised cheek rest on the reverse. John Moll established a family gun making business in Allentown (Lehigh County) PA in 1772 and worked until his death in 1794. His son, John Moll II (b1773) took over the business in 1794 at the time of his father's death and was succeeded in business by his son John Moll III (1796-1883). A lovely example of a Golden Age Kentucky Rifle that displays very nicely.
Condition:
Very good. Metal moderately oxidized with a mottled browning gray patina, showing some scattered surface roughness and areas of light pitting. Lock reconverted to flint with some gapping at the front and rear. Touchhole tight and well located and internal inspection via endoscope does not reveal any indications of welding. Bore moderately oxidized, with scattered pitting and roughness and no visible rifling. Brass with an attractive golden patina. Stock with scattered bumps, dings and handling marks, some wood loss around most of the pin holes. Stock shows scattered surface scuffs and rubs to the finish, as a small chip of wood missing from the reverse toe, as well as some minor chipping around the lock mortise.
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