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Ornate Silver Mounted Exhibition Quality Engraved Gold Inlaid Ornate J.P. Moore New York Marked Perc

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,600.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
Ornate Silver Mounted Exhibition Quality Engraved Gold Inlaid Ornate J.P. Moore New York Marked Perc
This is an elaborate example of an engraved, gold inlaid Moore percussion rifle with ornate silver mounted stock. The muzzle and breech ends of the barrel feature floral scroll engraving with two gold inlaid bands on the muzzle and four on the breech end. The hammer, lock and trigger guard are engraved with floral designs, with the addition of a running deer and makers mark on the lock. The top of the barrel behind the rear sight is marked "J P Moore New York" and there is a magnificent raised relief gold inlaid field scene of hunting dogs chasing a deer ahead of the rear sight. Double set triggers, wooden ram rod with silver plated brass tip and mounted with an ornately decorated straight grip half stock with checkered wrist. The patch box and surrounding over lays are silver plated brass engraved with floral and game scenes. The trigger guard is also silver plated brass with floral and game scenes and decorative, engraved finial which extends to the forend tip. The crescent buttplate is silver plated brass with floral engraving on the heel and toe tangs, and side plates. The left side plate is silver plated brass is the shape of a serpent and there is a decorative silver plated brass overlay on the cheek piece. This magnificent mid 19th Century longarm was made either for exhibition or special order for a prominent individual!
BBL: 32 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45 percussion
Finish: brown/gold inlaid
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Good. The metal surfaces have a mottled gray patina with some moderate pitting on the barrel. Almost all of the silver remains on the brass components with some scattered thinning exposing the brass. All of the silver has an aged patina. With the exception of a pieced in period repair just ahead of the trigger guard, the stock is good with a few minor dings, dents and scratches. The checkering remains relatively good with the pattern clearly intact, but well worn. The action needs work, the hammer does not hold a cocked position.