Title: Kentucky Style Rifle, Possibly One of the Earliest Known,
Original Flint, American Stocked
Possibly Eastern Pennsylvania
Date/Period: Mid-18th Century
Measurement: Overall length: 55.5"; barrel length: 41.5"
Material: Figured walnut stock, brass furniture
Condition: Excellent considering age and use, with some wear to the relief carving. As
depicted, a 4” slender piece of wood missing from underside of forearm. Action is tight
and smooth.
Additional Information: .69-caliber smooth bore, octagonal to round barrel
Most of the very earliest firearms in this country were European-made, however, the
gun making industry which evolved in certain regions, particularly Pennsylvania, began
to create America’s versions or styles of firearms. Originally these American-made
guns incorporated European parts and pieces manufactured in Europe and sent over to
this country. This important firearm incorporates certain European parts however,
certain construction techniques and attributes of this gun clearly indicate that it was not
European manufactured but was made here in this country. [The pointed rear ramrod
pipe, trigger guard, buttplate and stylistic carving are found in George Shumway’s
book, Rifles of Colonial America, Volume I. Also, see James B. Whisker, Arms makers
of Colonial America.]
The walnut stock displays the architecture and sculpture of early Jaegers which were
often emulated by early Pennsylvania gunsmiths. The elongated cheek piece is a
classic European style (which is found on some of our very earlies pieces) and the
relief-carving behind the cheek piece is a simplistic reverse “C” scroll and volutes which
could have easily been done in America. The gun features typical European
hardware…the brass featuring Rocco engraving, the type which was exported to our
country and is found on some of our early, curly maple stocked guns made in
Pennsylvania.
The gun displays relief-carving around the rear ramrod pipe; barrel tang is centered by
relief-carving; scroll carving aft of raised and molded cheekpiece; forend of comb
centered by carving; simple forestock molding as found on many Kentucky rifles.
The early “banana” lock appears to be original flint. A truly rare, historic, and important
Early American firearm believe to have been made in Eastern Pennsylvania.
$8,500.00
1310-86
