This rifle has a 45" full oct .56 cal smooth bore bbl that is signed in script by Christian Beck. The rifle would appear to have been made by the later Christian Beck who was listed in Bethel Township, Dauphin County, PA tax records in 1807, and who later relocated to the Chambersburg area. The brass side plate features the expected two small flanges behind the forward screw. The nicely engraved 4-pc patch box finial terminates with a beautifully executed and engraved bird design similar to rifle No. 108 in Kindig’s book. The relief carving to the rear of the cheek piece is similar to that shown on rifle No. 105 in Kindig and is just as beautifully designed and executed. This is an outstanding rifle which was possibly made in the Chambersburg area that shows a close association with the master gunsmith Leonard Reedy in the design of its tang carving, side plate and trigger guard. CONDITION: The reconverted flint lock is a replacement and the wood panel surrounding the lock has been replaced as well. There is a small wood repair between the lock and bbl tang. There is a very minor toe repair and the nose cap has been replaced. There are a few glued cracks in the orig wood along both sides of the bbl.
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