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U.S. Model 1817 Flintlock ''Common Rifle''

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:750.00 USD
U.S. Model 1817 Flintlock ''Common Rifle''
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U.S. Model 1817 Flintlock ''Common Rifle'', 1840 Contract by Nathan Starr & Son, NVSN, .54 cal., 36'' barrel, with small block-blade front and dovetailed notched rear sights, marked ''NWP'' (military inspector Nahum W. Patch) over an impressed ''P'' proofmark at breech; bevel-edge lockplate with rounded-pointed rear is marked ''Middtn/Conn/1843'' vertically behind flint cock (any other barrel or lockplate markings likely obscured by black powder pitting), has separate brass flashpan and iron cock with straight top-jaw guide; iron furniture including oval patchbox opening to a trap in butt for patches and spare parts, serpentine sideplate, three barrel bands (front of double-strap type, middle with sling swivel), triggerguard with long rear tang having a scrolled sling swivel lug, curved buttplate, and ramrod with brass trumpet-type head; oil-stained walnut fullstock. Mfg'd ca. 1843 in full-browned finish but for case hardened lockplate, in quantity of only 6,000 guns. Rifle appears to be in original flintlock configuration, with all original parts and unbushed touchhole. Condition is very good for its age and type, with metal surfaces showing an overall brown-gunmetal color with general moderate-to-deep age and black powder pitting. Stock is sound and smooth with light use marks, a half-inch chip at middle band, tight grain, good color, and two nice military inspectors' marks to left of lock: ''JH'' (probably Joseph Harniss) and ''WAT'' (William A. Thornton) in oval cartouches. Action is very strong; bore is clean with deep 7-groove rifling. Est.: $1,500-$2,000. (Antique)