January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
This rifle is featured as number 219 on page 522 of "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age" by Joe Kindig, Jr. Henry Lechler was working as a gunsmith in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania prior to 1797. This is the earliest known surviving Lechler rifle and was clearly made in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and displays many similarities related to Jacob Dickert. Joe Kindig, Jr. states "I find Henry Lechler to be a very fine and interesting workman". Later in his life, Lechler relocated to Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was last recorded in 1850 in the US Census in Carlisle, Pennsylvania where he was still listed as a gunsmith. This is probably the finest example of his work. The long, deeply rifled, octagon barrel features a brass front sight and an engraved notched rear sight. It is inscribed "Lechler" on the top flat behind the rear sight. The muzzle is also decorated with a ring of punched circles. The rifle has double set triggers and a flat lockplate with beveled edges and a molded tail. The brass mounts are all unique to Lechler's shop. The rifle has a classic four piece patchbox with a Lancaster daisy finial and the outer edges are engraved with scrolls. There is a silver convex wrist escutcheon with a rocker panel engraved border, as well as an engraved eight point star above the cheekpiece. Sideplate and trigger guard are in the early Lancaster style and have beveled edges and faceted faces. Patchbox release is rectangular and located on the toeplate. Full length stock of highly figured maple with classic, early Lancaster County form and a long, relief cheekpiece. There are incised scrolls on the right side of the wrist and relief foliate scrolls with incised accents on the opposite side. There are large, finely executed, relief 'C' scrolls with incised accents in the classic Lancaster style behind the cheekpiece on the left side. Surviving examples of Henry Lechler's work are extremely rare and examples made in Lancaster County are even more rare. CONDITION: Barrel retains a pleasing brown patina with a crisp signature. Lock has been reconverted and is a replacement but is professionally done and the dark brown patina matches the barrel very well. Lock functions properly. Brass retains a mellowing mustard patina with some scattered marks from use. Lid shows a dent towards the hinge. Stock is very good and shows no restoration. There are some scattered age cracks and marks from use. The rifle retains much of its original finish. Complete with a period wooden ramrod. A very attractive, early, relief carved Lancaster County rifle signed by a rare maker. PROVENANCE: Ex Joe Kindig, Jr. Collection.
Manufacturer
Henry Lechler
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle