Lot 3215

Melchior Fordney "Golden Age" Flintlock American Long Rifle

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Melchior Fordney "Golden Age" Flintlock American Long Rifle

Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000

Starting Bid: $3,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Engraved and Incised Carved Melchior Fordney Signed Smoothbore "Golden Age" Flintlock American Long Rifle Melchior Fordney (1807-1846) of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is one of the best-known rifles makers from the "golden age" of the American long rifle in the early 19th century. This stunning smoothbore is fairly similar to No. 40 on page 135 of "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age" by Kindig as well as the example on page 102 of "Arms Makers of Lancaster County" by Wood and Whisker. This "smooth rifle" has an octagon barrel with dovetail mounted brass front sight blade and iron notch rear sight. The top of the barrel is signed "M FORDNEY" in script ahead of a filled second rear sight dovetail. The lock plate has foliate engraving and a partial "HOL" maker's mark. The gun is equipped with a plain single trigger and has brass mounts with fine engraving. The figured curly maple stock has incised carving, cross-hatch and dot pattern wrist checkering, and a small cheekpiece.

Manufacturer: Fordney

Model: Flintlock

BBL: 43 3/4 inch octagon

Stock: curly maple

Gauge: .52

Finish: brown/brass

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very good as professionally restored with a mix of brown patina and "antiqued" brown finish on the barrel, enhanced signature, dark gray-brown patina and distinct engraving on the lock, attractively aged patina and crisp engraving on the brass mounts, some splices and repairs in the stock, and moderate overall wear including some small chips and cracks. The half-cock notch does not engage, but the lock and trigger otherwise mechanically function.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000