Posted 10 years ago
sisbe
(23 items)
This muzzle loading double barrel has" Stagecoach property Return to Stagecoach Inn Parsippany, New Jersy" carved on one side of the stock with a curious hole into it. After removing the tin plate on the other side , I found out what the hole was for. Someone had installed a music box mechanism under the tin plate. The hole is for the key that winds it and with some generous help from a professional, it actually plays. Very unusual. I haven't figured out the tune yet. There is always worry with an item like this that it has been faked. All the scratches and nicks go through the letters so there is a good chance that it is authentic. It is dated March 5, 1850.
As an antique collector for 59 yrs, "I ain't seen nutin' like dis!" Thanks for making my new year's eve even brighter. Came home early because those amateur drunk drivers at dangerous to us professionals!
3 hrs & 32 mins. & both blunderbusses will make my neighbours who are home jump! Happy New Year everybody & especially you sisbe!