3428

RARE OVER / UNDER SWIVEL BREECH FLINTLOCK

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
RARE OVER / UNDER SWIVEL BREECH FLINTLOCK

RIFLE MADE BY THOMAS HESS, LEHIGH COUNTY, PA. Cal. 45 rifled over 40 cal. smooth bore. NSN. Overall length 51 1/2". Bbl. 36" full oct.; unsigned. O/U flintlock swivel barreled Kentucky rifle made by Thomas Hess in what is now Lehigh County. 4 Piece engraved brass patch box w/ 9 piercings. Silver cheekpiece inlay has 1 piercing. Thomas Hess was a member of the well known Hess Family of gunsmiths in Heidleburg township in Lehigh County south of Blue Mountain. There were at least 6 Hess gunsmiths who worked at the Hess gun factory including Thomas. Thomas eventually moved over the mountain to Schulkill County. Thomas was known to have made several swivel flintlock rifles. CONDITION: patchbox release needs adjusting, otherwise entire rifle is clean & original throughout. (01-19975/RG). ANTIQUE. $4,000-8,000.