Allentown-area Rifle ca. 1790s Through Early 19th Century by Eric Kettenburg

This is influenced somewhat loosely after an original piece pictured on Dick Vandenberg’s website that I believe was made by one of the “usual suspects,” i.e. one of the Molls, Peter Neihart or perhaps John Rupp Sr. One thing about the original rifle that caught my eye was the removal of the inside trigger guard bow. It definitely appears to have been original work although usually this is seen with a set-trigger mechanism. Why it was done in this particular case is a mystery; perhaps the purchaser/owner preferred the grip rail positioned very closely to the stock? Regardless of the underlying reason, I find it interesting, quirky and quite attractive. The aging here is of a modest level which seems representative of a piece used for twenty or thirty years. There are plenty of nicks, dings, chips, scratches and of course tarnishing and light corrosion evident upon the hardware. Also seen are remnants of a thin, pale-red varnish although much of it has worn away. Overall, the appearance is of a modestly-decorated rifle within it’s lifetime of active use. Trigger reach is 13 5/8″, barrel (Rice) length is 46″ and bore is .50 caliber. Hollenbaugh flintlock. Quarter-sawn sugar maple. $3750 plus applicable shipping. kettenburgs@epix.net

Copy and photos supplied.