March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
Jacob Albright was a gunsmith who worked Penn's Valley in Haines Township, Northampton County (later Center County), Pennsylvania, according to Ron Gabel's annotation in "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age" by Joe Kindig, Jr. He was originally from York County, moved to Haines Township in or prior to 1799, and died in Millheim in 1840. This example features a rifled octagonal barrel, inscribed "J. Alb" on top flat. Flat flint lockplate is unmarked. Engraved brass furniture includes a four-piece patchbox, other furniture is plain. Inlaid silver oval wrist escutcheon and silver star inlay above cheekpiece have engraved borders, both are replacements. Full length figured maple stock of early form, resembling York County, features fine relief-carved rococo scrolls behind cheekpiece on left side of butt, a sleeved wrist with relief-carved shaped panels around comb and patchbox, and relief molding along forend terminating in spiraling incised scrolls. Carved panels around lock and sideplate. Barrel retained by keys. Barrel retains a dark brown spotted patina with some scattered marks from use, has been extended about 16-1/2". Lock has probably been replaced, appears to be in original flintlock configuration, and retains a dark patina. Brass retains a mellow patina. Stock with about 33" professionally restored and a small piece between top of lockplate and barrel tang. Buttstock retains a nice dark original patina. This is a very attractive, early and well-carved longrifle by a rare gunsmith!