Kentucky Rifle, Original Flintlock, Upper Susquehanna School
Out of circulation since the 1940s, not seen until very recently when purchased.
Date/Period: 1830-1840

Measurement: Overall length: 54.25"; barrel length: 39"

Material: Tiger maple stock, brass, and silver inlays

Condition: Fine original condition…outstanding!

Additional Information: The curly maple stocked rifle with full octagon unsigned barrel
is fitted with flintlock signed by sold by J. Golcher of Philadelphia. The stock is highly
decorated featuring twenty-four silver inlays along the fore stock, seven silver inlays on
the wrist and a large silver eagle inlay on the cheek piece over a large silver inlay under
the cheek piece. The cheekpiece inlays are identical to those found on some North
Carolina Moravian rifles. The full brass toe plate with five rectangular piercings is
influenced by North Carolina Moravian traditions.

The rifle has a Berks County style brass side plate…this plate and the shape of the
breech plug tang; open front brass nose cap combined strongly suggest the maker of
the rifle probably relocated from the Berks County area north of Kutztown PA.

Other classic features displayed are a full brass comb inlay and a large brass saddle
plate, both of which are characteristic of the upper Susquehanna school. The brass and
silver front blade site is dovetailed; the gun features a four-piece patch box with five
piercings.

308-641