Description
This rifle won “Best Non Carved Rifle” at the annual 1981 Kentucky Rifle Association Convention. It is accompanied by its sterling silver award plaque. Johannes Moll worked in Allentown, Northampton County, Pennsylvania between 1763, where he is first listed on tax records as a gunsmith and 1794, when he died. Moll repaired guns, swords and bayonets for the Continental Army between 1775 and 1777. John Moll’s business was inherited by his son John Moll I when he died in 1794. In 1821, John Moll sold the shop to his son, John Moll, Jr. This rifle was probably made around 1800.
The octagonal barrel measures 41-1/8”. Two lines engraved across top flat on both sides of rear sight. The lock features a curved stepped molding at the tail and a roller frizzen. The rifle has beautiful classic early Lehigh form, with a streamlined profile and stepped, egg-shaped wrist that is seen on early guns from this area. The stock retains almost all of its original violin finish purple tones. The brass furniture includes a two-piece patchbox with classic stylized flour-de-lis finial and rare raised lid with convex panel.
The lid is engraved with the classic John Moll stylized “D” around the rivet. Lehigh County sideplate terminating in an arrowhead finial. Triggerguard with signature lug in front of the bow. Oval shaped silver thumb piece with engraved designs. Large engraved eight-point silver star inlaid above the cheekpiece. A very attractive rifle with all of the desirable and classic Lehigh County features that are sought after by collectors.
