Eric von Aschwege AfterJohn Rupp, Leigh Valley

This rifle was built in the style of several pieces by John Rupp, of the Lehigh Valley, circa 1800. Based closely on a particularly slim rifle with a side opening brass box, this is about as slender as a Lehigh rifle can get! The barrel is copied from an original Bucks county rifle, with a 15/16" breech dimension, 44" long in .45 caliber. The highly modified Siler lock is tuned for fast ignition, set into a dense piece of sugar maple. The stock is carved throughout, and with wear areas rubbed back to highlight the raised carving. The entire rifle was given a gentle patina finish, indicative of an original oxidized red-tinted oil varnish that had been worn through handling over the years - no chips, dings, or cracks. This rifle weighs 7 3/4 pounds and has a 13 3/4" trigger pull. 

Now available for sale, please contact Eric to add this to your collection.

firelockarms@gmail.com

Photography and copy from https://www.vonaschwegeflintlocks.com/.

Tinder Lighter Stand by Eric von Aschwege

 
Custom Stand for an early French Tinder Lighter.

Photography by Robert Weil.

Eric von Aschwege After Thomas Simpson for Gasper Mansker

There are few original rifles that can match the level of creative imagination, artistry, and quality found on the 1791 dated rifle by Thomas Simpson, built in Tennessee for Gasper Mansker.  This rifle is my close interpretation of the original, scaled down slightly in overall length and size, built on commission.  Centered on a 45" .50caliber Rice barrel, the rest of the piece was entirely custom built from my own castings, forgings, and heavily modified commercial parts.   The lock is a large English import style, similar in size but not identical to the original.  The patchbox differs from the original slightly, with a silver overlaid dogwood blossom and extra filed details.  The silver button slides towards the buttplate to release the door,  with captive internal spring and latch.  A soft patina was applied to the metal, settling in the engraving and the filed details.  The stock was stained with aquafortis, and finished to highlight the elaborate carving and moldings, but without hiding subtle scraper marks so common on originals, and absent on most contemporary works.  

Copy and photography supplied by Eric von Aschwege with more photos here.

Repair on Antique Pistol by Eric von Aschwege

 

Photos supplied by Eric von Aschwege.

Ax by Eric von Aschwege

Photographs by Jan Riser.