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Frontier Firearms from the Lifetime Collection of Larry Ness
|
- Sale 1987
Live
| Cincinnati
Jun 8 | 10:00 AM EDT
Live
| Cincinnati
Sale 1987
| Cincinnati
| Cincinnati
Estimate$2,000 – $3,000
.54 caliber. 44.5" wedge retained octagon to round barrel with baluster turned rings at the transition. SN: NSN. Blued finish, brass furniture, walnut stock. Percussion altered flint lock marked "MOXHAM" under the bolster and with a "{Wild Boar}" in a circle with arrows and feathers at the tail of the lock. A small British Board of Ordnance "{CROWN-Broad Arrow}" is stamped below the bolster. Barrel marked with pre-1813 Birmingham proofs on the left angled flat and "LONDON" on the top flat. Lock secured with two screws with round brass escutcheons and no side plate, lightly engraved brass triggerguard with acorn finial and lightly engraved brass commercial buttplate. Sheet brass ramrod thimbles with baluster turned rings at the ends, wood ramrod. Thomas Moxham was a Birmingham based "Gunmaker & Victualler" who worked circa 1799 to 1837 and regularly marked his guns "London". He was one of the 16 contractors to the Board of Ordnance to produce arms for the Natives allied to the British during the War of 1812 and delivered 1,532 guns under that contract between 1813 and 1816. Notes from Mr. Ness indicate that this gun was collected from an Indian Reservation in Traverse Bay, MI. He further notes that it is "Chief's Grade" with a question mark, as is it is better quality than the typical Northwest Trade Guns, but does not have some of the decorative features that would be expected on a true "Chief's Grade" gun.
The Collection of Larry Ness
Fair. Gun is well worn and heavily used. Metal moderately oxidized with a mottled gray and brown patina on the lock with some traces of blue on the barrel, most of which has toned toward plum. Metal with scattered surface roughness and some pitting, more moderate at the breech and bolster area. Lock is not functional, bore is dirty, dark and pitted. Stock broken at wrist and through the mortise with an old nailed repair, resulting in the lock not fitting well. Forend with cracks and repairs and replaced pins. Overall with heavy wear, bumps, dings and mars. Ramrod replaced.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
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Tim Carey
Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria
