May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
Rare and 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). For a similar example from the Kindig Collection see "Bedford County Rifles" by James B. Whisker. The rifled octagon barrel was shortened slightly during its period of use and is signed in script "J. J. Pringle" with silver blade front sight and notched rear sight. Bedford-style hand-forged "rat tail" style lock engraved with a folk art bird at tail and with Bedford-style "high spur" hand-forged hammer, double set triggers and engraved brass sideplate with two piercings. Figured tiger maple stock with brass hardware including a four-piece engraved patchbox with 5 piercings and engraved floral scrolls on the lid with Bedford style hidden release button on toeplate. Stock also has Bedford-style c-scroll incised carving behind the cheek and relief scrolls in front of cheekpiece and around sleeved wrist, with an extremely well-done molding line along forestock and relief pattern around the lock with silver inlays within. The rifle has 19 engraved coin silver inlays, an oval cheekpiece with an engraved eagle, large scroll inlay around barrel tang, inlays behind lock and sideplate, and 3 winged inlays along each side of forend. Complete with an original hardwood ramrod that is slightly long. CONDITION: Overall untouched condition with metal showing light grey patina with some scattered pitting, heavy around breech. Signature visible, but showing some wear. Brass has pleasing mustard patina. Wood has an aged handled finish showing scattered areas of wear, age cracks and marks from use. Some losses around bolster from percussion burnout. Mechanism needs adjustment as hammer does not hold back. A rare rifle with less than 10 known by this maker to this cataloger.
Caliber/Bore
.45 Percussion