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  • Auction Catalog #87
  • Lot #249
Lot #248
Lot #250

Lot 249: American Four-Barrel "Mule Ear" Combination Gun

Incredible Finely Engraved and German Silver Mounted American Four-Barrel "Mule Ear" Combination Gun

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 9, 2022

Lot 249: American Four-Barrel "Mule Ear" Combination Gun

Incredible Finely Engraved and German Silver Mounted American Four-Barrel "Mule Ear" Combination Gun

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 9, 2022

Estimated Price: $5,500 - $7,500
Price Realized:
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Incredible Finely Engraved and German Silver Mounted American Four-Barrel "Mule Ear" Combination Gun

Manufacturer: American
Model: Percussion
Type: Shotgun
Gauge: 28
Barrel: 27 inch solid rib
Finish: brown/bright
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 2861
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 204
Class: Antique
Description:

This fascinating combination gun has two 28 gauge smoothbore barrels over two .38 caliber rifled barrels. The upper rib is fitted with a blade front and adjustable notch rear sights with ornate finials and inlaid with silver and gold at the breech. The gun is equipped with two back action locks. Each lock has two hammers; one for the upper barrel and one for the lower barrel on their respective sides. Only one hammer can be cocked at a time. They are fired using a single trigger. The locks have floral scroll and border engraving. The spurred trigger guard has an engraved scene with a bald eagle on the bow. The other components mainly have scroll and floral engraving. The bottom of the buttstock has a small compartment, and there is a "cap box" on each side. Opening the box on the left side reveals a compass. The left side of the butt also has dog and bird inlay, and the right side has two stars. There are also engraved strips, and attractive engraved German silver repair plates. The writer does not recall seeing a more elegant wrist repair.

Rating Definition:

Very good with mostly dark brown patina along the barrels, some pitting around the nipples, gray patina and distinct engraving on the locks, lightly aged patina and mostly crisp engraving on the German silver furniture and accents, and mild overall wear. The lower barrel pin is absent. The left hammers are broken (one striking face absent); otherwise, it is mechanically fine. The stock is also very good with a well-executed period wrist repair, attractive figure, glossy finish, and minor scratches and dings. This is a very interesting American muzzleloading combination gun. You don't find four barrel combination guns very often, and you almost never find them with so many attractive German silver accents.



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