KENTUCKY RIFLE.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/14/2009

Circa 1785 to 1795. OL: 60 - 1/2”. BL: 45 - 3/4”. TB: Octagonal. LM: Flintlock. Obvious re-conversion. PB: 4-piece. S: Curly Maple. SR: Lengthened and two patched areas. Relief and incise carvings. Two silver inlays. This handsome Kentucky rifle is by one of the most desirable Pennsylvania gunsmiths. It is signed in script “J.P. Beck” (John Phillip Beck) who worked in the Cornwall area of Northern Lancaster County. J.P. Beck’s rifles have always been rated on the highest levels by collectors and dealers alike. This admiration is amplified by the quality of his 18th century workmanship in wood as well as in metal. While he signed most of his rifles, any that are unsigned are easily attributable because of his consistency of style in architecture, carving, and metal work. Apparently he cast most of his own brass as his hardware is also a highly recognized trademark. This rifle is one which was probably made in his mid-career, sometime shortly after the American Revolution. The curly maple stock is of the finest wood with dramatic curl and the carving is as vibrant and three-dimensional. Architecturally, his stock profiles are always dramatic and pleasing to the eye. The relief carving behind the cheekpiece is beautifully done. In addition, the relief carving around both sides of the front edge of the comb are all in keeping with the masterful carving behind the cheekpiece. The tang carving has a simpler design that he often used, perhaps because of the silver thumb-piece inlay. The flintlock appears to be its original lock although it has been re-converted, and two wood pieces have been set in above the lock, (fore, and aft). The full octagonal barrel is still in its original length although the forestock has an approximate 29-inch replacement including the two upper ferrules and nose-cap. This magnificent signed “J.P. Beck” still carries its Blue Ribbon given as a prize at the 1999 Kentucky Rifle Association held at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. This prize was given as the best relief carved Kentucky. His very typical four-piece engraved patchbox has the owner’s initials engraved. This is a very fine rifle ranking closely to the upper levels of his well-known workmanship as a master gunsmith.