Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar .50 cal 42” Flintlock Rifle

SOLD FOR: $905

WOA#: 230621RPTB002WY

Make: Unmarked

Model: Star-stocked Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar Flintlock Rifle

Serial#: NSN

Year of Manufacture: Contemporary

Caliber: .50 caliber ball

Action Type: Flintlock

Markings: Brass tacks in the shape of a star on the right side of the buttstock. 1951 dated gold Benjamin Franklin half-dollar coin inlaid on the left side of the buttstock.

Barrel Length: 42” octagon-to-round

Sights/ Optics: U-notch rear, front blade.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is burled walnut with brass tacks and fittings. The left side of the stock has a curved cheek piece. There are scratches, scuffs, and compression marks throughout. The area around the tacks on the right side of the buttstock are more heavily scratched than the rest of the stock. There are also a few spots of minor erosion from the tacks. Overall the stock is in Very Good Condition.

Type of Finish: Metal: Octagon section of the barrel is blued, which has faded. The round section is unfinished, as is the lock assembly. There are also brass fittings. Wood: Oil.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: Bore is dark with sharp rifling. There is corrosion near the muzzle.

Overall Condition: This flintlock is in Very Good Condition. The metal surfaces have minor scratches and scuffs. The octagon section of the barrel retains about 75% of its original blued finish. The brass buttplate has a worn heel section, as well as some minor pitting in the main body. The brass trigger guard has a few spots of finish loss on the underside. The trigger assembly plate is covered in light surface rust, as are the triggers. The front side of the brass nose cap is tarnished, which may be fouling that needs to be cleaned off. The frizzen is heavily scuffed from use. The frizzen body, pan, and hammer all have spots of surface rust.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: 1x Gun flint

Our Assessment: This is an eye-catching contemporary example of a mid-to-late 18th century flintlock rifle, much in the style of the rifles from the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. The burled walnut and bright brass tack star make this rifle jump out from any rack or stand and it would be a perfect display piece. The inlaid gold Benjamin Franklin half-dollar adds an interesting little detail as well. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the rifle and its condition.