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M. Fordney Marked Flintlock Longarm

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
M. Fordney Marked Flintlock Longarm
The lock is marked "BY / ASKEW PAXSON" and the top of the barrel is marked "M Fordney". Melchior Fordney was one of 10 Fordneys that were Gunsmiths in Lancaster, Pa. spanning much of the 19th Century. Writer believes this Fordney to have been in Lancaster, Pa. from 1811 until 1847 when he was murdered by a religious fanatic whom was displeased with Mr. Fordney for living with a common-law wife, thus being a "whoremonger". (See page 130 of Kentucky rifle- Golden Gae by Kindig). Askew Paxson of Philadelphia, Pa. made locks for flintlock weapons. This example features a part octagon barrel with a blade front and fixed iron rear sights. There are simple engraved designs ahead of and behind the rear sight, brass mountings with light engraving on the left side plate and trigger guard, wooden ramrod and mounted with a full straight grip maple stock with skip line checkering.
BBL: 45 1/2 inch part octagon
Stock: maple
Gauge: 54
Finish: brown
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Good. The barrel has a brownish gray patina with minor pitting. The remaining metal parts have a dark and gray patina. The brass has an aged patina. The rear ramrod pipe finial is absent and the rear pipe is cracked and a piece is absent. The stock is good as freshened with some chips where the ramrod finial was, a minor crack directly ahead of the trigger guard finial, a small piece absent at the hammer, and overall scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. There is some moderate wear on the checkering, which for the most part remains crisp. The action is fine.