September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
Rare and extremely fine untouched Bedford County style raised carved percussion Kentucky rifle made by Jacob Pringle circa 1840 in Cambria Township, Cambria County (roughly 15 miles from Bedford County line). The rifle originally came out of the Kindig Collection and is pictured in several books including "Bedford County Rifles" by James B. Whisker. 57" overall length with 41 - 3/4" octagon .38 caliber rifled barrel signed in script "J. Pringle" with silver blade front sight and hunting style notch rear sight. Bedford-style hand-forged "rat tail" style lock signed in script "J. Pringle" with Bedford-style "high spur" hand-forged hammer, double set trigger control, and brass "Ram's Horn" design engraved sideplate. Full length curly maple stock with brass hardware including a 4-piece "Q" finial style patchbox with 6 piercings and engraved "Ram's Horn" pattern on the lid with Bedford style hidden release. Stock also has Bedford-style relief strawberry vine carving behind the cheek and a scalloped pattern on tang, with an extremely well-done molding line along forestock and relief pattern around the lock. The rifle has 4-coin silver inlays, an oval cheekpiece with an engraved solar-looking pattern, 2 tang teardrop inlays, and a shield thumbpiece engraved with the initials "JA." Comes with an original hardwood ramrod with a gunsmith-made worm attachment. PROVENANCE: Ex. Joe Kindig Collection, Ex. Louie Parker Collection. CONDITION: Overall attic condition with metal showing aged silvery brown patina with some light pitting marks. Brass has an untouched golden-yellow appearance. Wood has an aged handled finish with stress crack from the toeplate to buttplate on each side. The lock has some burnout around the top, with some chips missing around the lock and a small crack at the lock bolt. No other visible repairs or restoration. Dark pitted bore with crisp mechanics. A rare rifle with less than 10 known by this maker to this cataloger. From the Louie Parker Collection.
Manufacturer
Jacob Pringle