interesting Lehigh? rifle coming up

[backsplash75]

Lot 0077
Description
.54 CAL, FLINTLOCK WITH 43" BARREL MARKED "BIRCH" WITH UNUSUAL WOODEN PATCH BOX TO REAR OF STOCK (SLIDES)

https://www.hartzellsauction.com/event/summer-firearms-auction-presale/#

[120RIR]

I've been watching this one for a while but of course all the action happens in the last 30 seconds and it's not on my "I'm interested" list regardless.  My thoughts...looks to me like a reconversion and not necessarily all that good of one at that.  I also have to wonder if when switched to percussion, they hogged out the lock mortise for a much larger plate. That patchbox design is interesting as are other details but needless to say I'd like to hear other opinions on its good points as well as bad.

[rich pierce]

I’d vote the lock has been reconverted like 90% of those appearing as flintlocks. Nice plain gin with good architecture.

[Eric Kettenburg]

Whole lock replaced, no doubt, and probably some reshaping around the tail of the panel at the time it was converted and who knows, maybe again when someone started piecing in wood and/or maybe even this very lock in entirety.  Compare the tail shaping of the lock panel to the sideplate panel.

Typical Moll or Moll-type imho using scavenged parts.  I'll bet it's not a dainty gun - likely has some heft.  Box is probably original and I've seen a couple others done very similarly as well as with no brass cap at the rear.

[backsplash75]

Whole lock replaced, no doubt, and probably some reshaping around the tail of the panel at the time it was converted and who knows, maybe again when someone started piecing in wood and/or maybe even this very lock in entirety.  Compare the tail shaping of the lock panel to the sideplate panel.

Typical Moll or Moll-type imho using scavenged parts.  I'll bet it's not a dainty gun - likely has some heft.  Box is probably original and I've seen a couple others done very similarly as well as with no brass cap at the rear.

I agree, certainly seems to be a little pointy gap on the far left tail end of the lock, wouldn't be surprised if the whole lock is new to the gun (which is a shame when trying to date a piece). That being said, it is a really cool box lid and interesting rifle.

[Mike Brooks]

That box cover really flips my lid.

[JTR]

An interesting gun, with an unbelievably poorly replaced lock!
Sadly, with a little work, a period replacement lock that would have fit better could have been found pretty easily.

It'll be interesting to see what it brings.

[Eric Kettenburg]

Given what I see as some recycled parts, I'd love to see the gun with this lock on it.  Size is right although no idea if the bolt centers would line up reasonably.  Just enough 'repair' work to be believable but never converted.

[JTR]

Given what I see as some recycled parts, I'd love to see the gun with this lock on it.  Size is right although no idea if the bolt centers would line up reasonably.  Just enough 'repair' work to be believable but never converted.

Sounds good! Buy it, and lets see the result.
John 

[Mike Brooks]

Given what I see as some recycled parts, I'd love to see the gun with this lock on it.  Size is right although no idea if the bolt centers would line up reasonably.  Just enough 'repair' work to be believable but never converted.

Sounds good! Buy it, and lets see the result.
John 

HERE! HERE! What a great idea!

[JTR]

Today is the day, and it's warming up. Bid is at $2800 with about 4 hours to go.....
Go Eric!!!!!


John 

[Eric Kettenburg]

JMHO but at 2800 plus what 24-26%? it's already just about max for what it is.  The best thing it's got going for is that box, which I believe original, and the traces of dark red varnish under the box.

For that kind of money I'd just make one with a great lock and age it.

[JTR]

I agree with Eric. I had it at 2700, but after the auction house squeeze, shipping, and for me a good replacement period lock, plus the work I'd do, would have been about all there was. I need to keep reminding myself I'm down sizing, not adding....
I hope someone here got it!
John