MAGNIFICENT RELIEF CARVED FREDERICK SELL LITTLESTOWN, PA. FLINTLOCK RIFLE.

MAGNIFICENT RELIEF CARVED FREDERICK SELL LITTLESTOWN, PA. FLINTLOCK RIFLE. SN NSN. Frederick Sell was one of the great masters of Kentucky rifle gunsmithing. Kindig believed the Sell family was one of the most important – if not the most important family – of Kentucky Rifle Makers. This rifle has double set triggers and a 43-3/4” full oct smooth bore bbl with “Friderick Sell” (note spelling) signed on a brass plate inlet into the top bbl flat. Of the few existing Frederick Sell rifles, only the finest are signed in this manner. Like most Frederick Sell rifles, this long graceful gun has good curly maple, large 1.75″ butt, and a well defined, high comb. Patchbox is extremely beautiful, large and artfully engraved. This patchbox has seven piercings, unusual since most of his patchboxes have less than seven. The outlines and piercings flow in beautiful curves as determined by the engraved C-scrolls. Unique patchbox release is hidden within the engraving design of the lower patchbox sideplate. It is interesting to note this same patchbox release feature is present on the upper panel of the signed “Adam Ernst” rifle also offered for sale in this auction. Although Frederick Sell used a large variety of patchbox designs he was consistent in the use of an engraved C-scroll in the center of the patchbox lid with details flowing off each end. This rifle features nine silver inlays also unusual for Frederick who normally inlaid his guns using brass not silver. Kindig comments on knowing of only three Frederick Sell rifles with brass lock plates and the lockplate of this rifle is brass. This rifle has very attractive and unique paneling along the forestock between the bbl wedge inlays ending nicely at the rear ramrod ferrule with a relief C-scroll around the final bbl wedge. The relief carving to the rear of the entrance ferrule is a very decorative and well executed fleur-de-lis pattern. There is a unique and wonderful flame design carving to the rear of the bbl tang. The silver oval cheekpiece inlay boasts a well executed American Eagle engraving. An unusual feature are the bbl wedges that are placed and removed from the left hand side without being visible from the right hand side. The bbl wedge inlays on the right hand side are engraved to give the appearance of the bbl wedge. Accompanied by copies of 4 wonderful personal 1957-59 dated letters from Kindig Jr to the consignor’s father talking about the virtues of Sell and this rifle. Also,a copy of a 1957 handwritten invoice from Joe Kindig,Jr listing the rifle as “first quality” and “illustrated as #3 on plates 51-52 in Dillin” with a cost of $2060 incl PA sales tax. And a copy of a 1971 letter from Joe Kindig III describing the Sell rifle as “representing his finest quality” with a fair market value of $9500. Frederick Sell is listed as a York County gunsmith in 1807. In 1816 Frederick and his wife purchased property in Littlestown where he appeared as a gunsmith from 1817 until 1858. There is no question Frederick Sell and Adam Ernst spent time working together before Sell relocated to Littlestown. PROVENANCE: Purchased directly from Joe Kindig Jr. in 1957 and has remained with the consignor’s family since that time having never been offered for sale nor displayed. CONDITION: Very Fine. There are three age or stress cracks along the right hand forestock of which only one, a 4” crack below the sight, is noticeable. With this minor exception the rifle is in unbelievably good condition. This is an outstanding investment quality rifle that ranks among the best in the world. 4-40320 RG3 (65,000-95,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2011

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2406	$195,500.00	MAGNIFICENT RELIEF CARVED FREDERICK SELL LITTLESTOWN, PA. FLINTLOCK RIFLE. SN NSN. Frederick Sell was one of the great masters of Kentucky rifle gunsmithing. Kindig believed the Sell family was one of the most important – if not the most important family – of Kentucky Rifle Makers. This rifle has double set triggers and a 43-3/4” full oct smooth bore bbl with “Friderick Sell” (note spelling) signed on a brass plate inlet into the top bbl flat. Of the few existing Frederick Sell rifles, only the finest are signed in this manner. Like most Frederick Sell rifles, this long graceful gun has good curly maple, large 1.75″ butt, and a well defined, high comb. Patchbox is extremely beautiful, large and artfully engraved. This patchbox has seven piercings, unusual since most of his patchboxes have less than seven. The outlines and piercings flow in beautiful curves as determined by the engraved C-scrolls. Unique patchbox release is hidden within the engraving design of the lower patchbox sideplate. It is interesting to note this same patchbox release feature is present on the upper panel of the signed “Adam Ernst” rifle also offered for sale in this auction. Although Frederick Sell used a large variety of patchbox designs he was consistent in the use of an engraved C-scroll in the center of the patchbox lid with details flowing off each end. This rifle features nine silver inlays also unusual for Frederick who normally inlaid his guns using brass not silver. Kindig comments on knowing of only three Frederick Sell rifles with brass lock plates and the lockplate of this rifle is brass. This rifle has very attractive and unique paneling along the forestock between the bbl wedge inlays ending nicely at the rear ramrod ferrule with a relief C-scroll around the final bbl wedge. The relief carving to the rear of the entrance ferrule is a very decorative and well executed fleur-de-lis pattern. There is a unique and wonderful flame design carving to the rear of the bbl tang. The silver oval cheekpiece inlay boasts a well executed American Eagle engraving. An unusual feature are the bbl wedges that are placed and removed from the left hand side without being visible from the right hand side. The bbl wedge inlays on the right hand side are engraved to give the appearance of the bbl wedge. Accompanied by copies of 4 wonderful personal 1957-59 dated letters from Kindig Jr to the consignor’s father talking about the virtues of Sell and this rifle. Also,a copy of a 1957 handwritten invoice from Joe Kindig,Jr listing the rifle as “first quality” and “illustrated as #3 on plates 51-52 in Dillin” with a cost of $2060 incl PA sales tax. And a copy of a 1971 letter from Joe Kindig III describing the Sell rifle as “representing his finest quality” with a fair market value of $9500. Frederick Sell is listed as a York County gunsmith in 1807. In 1816 Frederick and his wife purchased property in Littlestown where he appeared as a gunsmith from 1817 until 1858. There is no question Frederick Sell and Adam Ernst spent time working together before Sell relocated to Littlestown. PROVENANCE: Purchased directly from Joe Kindig Jr. in 1957 and has remained with the consignor’s family since that time having never been offered for sale nor displayed. CONDITION: Very Fine. There are three age or stress cracks along the right hand forestock of which only one, a 4” crack below the sight, is noticeable. With this minor exception the rifle is in unbelievably good condition. This is an outstanding investment quality rifle that ranks among the best in the world. 4-40320 RG3 (65,000-95,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2011 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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