Original Item: One of a Kind. Just purchased at a recent military show! This is a very interesting "Pennsylvania" flintlock hunting rifle, often referred to as a "Kentucky" rifle. The design developed in Pennsylvania, and then spread down the Ohio River Valley to Kentucky, where it was very popular. This example is definitely unique, both due to the "left-handed" design of the rifle, as well as the story that came with it. This particular rifle has a silver escutcheon on the rear of the wrist that is engraved with the initials J L, which we are told stands for John Logan of York County Pennsylvania. This story was passed down through the family it was acquired from for well over a century.

John was the father of Pennsylvania politician Henry Logan, who was born near Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, April 14, 1784. He volunteered for the defense of Baltimore in 1814 during the War of 1812, and served as captain in the Nineteenth Regiment, Second Brigade, Fifth Division, Pennsylvania Militia. He was then commissioned lieutenant colonel August 1, 1814. Logan later served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1818 and 1819 and as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 14th district from 1828 to 1830. He was then elected as the Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 11th district, and served as such from 1835 to 1839. He was the founder of what would become Loganville in Pennsylvania.

The rifle itself is a truly lovely example, with a beautiful "Flame" figured full stock and lovely patinated all brass mounts. The buttstock in particular has a lovely curve, and has a nice cheek piece on the right hand side, with a brass patch box on the left hand side, which is opened via a button on the bottom of the stock. It rifle features a 4 inch barrel with a bore of .50", one of the larger sizes seen for Pennsylvania rifles. It does look to have been bored out or just worn out a lot, and we can no longer see any rifling on the interior. Overall length is 56" and the barrel is fully octagonal, with simple sights on the front and rear of the barrel.

The lock on this example, is definitely a custom bespoke example, and we assume it was most likely intended to be used as the left side lock on a side by side shotgun. It looks to be the standard "trade lock" style, but is definitely an upmarket example, with a very high level of artistry in the manufacture. It features a roller on the end of the frizzen spring, which is definitely not a typical appointment. There is no maker on the lock or the barrel, but this is not uncommon for the period.

The rifle is in overall very good condition, with wear commensurate with age and service. We checked the lock and it is functional, however it does not hold at half cock, and the fully cocked position does not hold at all. It is still in the original flintlock configuration, not converted to percussion as so many were over the years. We checked the bore, and it definitely looks to have been smoothbored to use as a fowling piece. It has light rust overall, and definitely saw a good amount of use. The stock is just lovely, showing the flame figuring throughout, and it has a lovely color. There is a rod stored under the barrel, but it is period wooden replacement, without any of the usual fittings.

A very interesting left-handed Pennsylvania Flintlock rifle in very nice condition, with a great story. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1830
Caliber: approx .50"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 40 Inches
Overall Length: 56 Inches
Action type: Side Action Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.