3446

UNUSUAL HALF STOCK 2 SHOT SUPERIMPOSED LOADING

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,500.00 USD
UNUSUAL HALF STOCK 2 SHOT SUPERIMPOSED LOADING

DOUBLE MULE EAR RIFLE BY W. P. DEWITT OF ELMYRA, NY. Cal. 45. NSN. Bbl. 32 1/8" heavy oct. fitted w/ semi buckhorn dovetailed through rear & brass blade front sights stamped "W. P. DEWITT" "ELMYRA N. Y." on top flat. Breech area fitted w/ 2 nipples, one in front of the other, to allow for sequential loading. Unusual lock w/ 2 mule ear hammers is unmarked, but has some rudimentary engraving. Cherry wood half stock w/ pewter cap is German silver mounted. Trigger guard w/ scroll grip, crescent buttplate has 4" return w/ spear finial & oval inlet above fluted right hand cheekpiece. Bbl. bolt escutcheons are oval. CONDITION: bbl. w/ cleaning is presently brown to gray. Breech area considerably pitted, marking clear. Lock is also gray brown & pitted. Stock retains most of an old refinish. Mounts nicely toned. Bore is good w/ strong rifling. Dark in grooves. Hammers will not cock. Inspection reveals welding on sear & worn notches on hammers. Bbl. bolt is missing. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Gary Parietti. (01-19780/MGM). ANTIQUE. $1,000-1,500.