Lot 518: Percussion Long Rifle from Williamson Co., TN; Kirkman & Ellis, Nashville

Percussion long rifle owned by Obediah Wade Hill (1824-1893) of Williamson County, TN. Heavy, octagonal 44 1/4 in. barrel, 30 cal. Lockplate is marked “Kirkman & Ellis Nashville Tenn” with game bird design behind hammer; set trigger. Brass ramrod guides, buttplate, and trigger guard. Stock features several inlaid German silver pieces, including fish, fowl, fox, deer and skunk, as well as inlaid silver medallions along its full stock. Accompanied by framed reproduction photograph of Obediah Hill and handwritten biography. This gun is discussed and illustrated in the 2003 book ART OF TENNESSEE by the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, pgs. 38-39. Barrel 44 1/4 in. L; Overall 60 in. L. Note: 1848 records list a hardware manufacturing/storefront partnership between John Kirkman and James Ellis, located at 34 Public Square, Nashville.

CONDITION: Non-functioning; lock slightly loose in stock, nipple loose but present. Butt plate is period replacement. Stock with some cracks in wrist area, front of stock loose from muzzle. Numerous replacement screws.