^Lot 4371 WILLIAM BUCHELE CONTEMPORARY SWIVEL BREECH O/U

FLINTLOCK RIFLE. Cal. 45. NSN. William Buchele 1895-1977 was a renowned builder of contemporary flintlock & percussion rifles & pistols in the 1960's -1970's. He is known as a co-author of the book "Recreating the American Long Rifle" with George Shumway and Peter Alexander. Bbls. 32 1/2" octagon measuring 3/4" across the flats. Top flats are marked "W. Buchele". German silver blade front sights with fixed U notch rear sights. Breech ends have unmarked pan & frizzen plates with german silver top flat plates stamped 1 & 2. Unmarked iron lock is border line engraved. Curled plain trigger. Roman nose cheek piece stock of fine curly maple has extensive relief carving in the cheekpiece, comb & wrist areas with additional relief carved points behind the lock & sideplate. Right side has a rectangular lid brass patch box with floral finial having light coverage of floral & line engraving. Additional brass stock fitting consist of the crescent buttplate, toeplate, trigger guard & sideplate. The cheekpiece has an engraved 8 point German silver star highlighted by wire inlay simulating rays of sun. The bbl. section has full length brass tipped curly maple side panels. Right panel features a relief carved native American woman highlighted by curled wire inlay and chain carved borders. Forward portion has a faceted brass thimble and 2 faceted brass pipes holding the brass brass tipped hardwood ramrod between moldered borders. Left panel has incise carved double line borders with German silver pipe & thimble escutcheons highlighted by curled wire inlay. Weight 8 lbs. 14.4 oz. CONDITION. near excellent. Finely browned metal shows light carry & edge wear. Stocks have very good finish showing a few small marks. Sound action. Very good bores. (01-27920/DS). ANTIQUE. $3,500-5,500.