I asked this question once before and someone answered, but I can't find that discussion or my private messages with that individual. I have in my possession a .58 flintlock left-hand rifle built by J. Davis for Charles Willcox, Hollywood actor, stuntman, professional wrestler and silversmith. The rifle was used to take North American and African big game animals (I have a photo of Willcox with the rifle and a Black Rhino that he killed with it). I've been asked to sell the rifle by Mr. Willcox's nephew, who now owns it, but I'd like some more info about the rifle and the builder so I can set a reasonable price. In addition to the Rhino, I know that he killed a Leopard with the rifle and I think his nephew told me that he killed Mountain Lions, some Bighorn sheep and some other North American game animals with it as well.
It's a well-made rifle and appears to be built on a nice piece of curly maple although it's hard to tell because of the dark finish and age and was made with a Bill Large barrel and a flintlock that's stamped "FREDHOLM".
Aside from being pretty cool anyway, the backstory is what's incredibly unique. Willcox played roles in The Legend of Jesse James, I was a Teenage Werewolf and he was the Creature From the Black Lagoon. That was before he lost an eye on a Hollywood set and lost a hand in an African hunting accident. He also became a professional wrestler (I have no idea what his name was) and later became an accomplished silversmith, even with just one hand.
Anyway, any information that anyone could provide about the builder or about the flintlock (or even about Willcox if you've ever heard of him and know something that I may not) would be greatly appreciated.
