Original Item: Only One Available. Just purchased at a recent military auction! This is a very nice "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 is a great example, with a beautiful full length "tiger" or "flame" figured maple stock, a very common wood to use on Pennsylvania rifles. The stock is relatively thin with a lovely gently sweeping curve, which along with the ornate side plate around the patch box cover is a hallmark of the Lancaster area. Even better, this example is dated 1799 on the large Lancaster style brass side plate!

The rifle features all brass mountings, including a lovely spring retained patch box on the right side of the stock. It also has some lovely "vine" engraving on both sides of the butt stock, and bears a brass "hunter's star" inlay on the cheek piece on the left side of the butt stock as well. The rifle features a 43 inch long octagonal barrel with a bore of about 0.39", with 7 groove rifling, one of the usual calibers we see these in. Overall length is 58 inches, and the barrel is relatively heavy for accurate shooting, much like "bench rest" rifles of the day.

We checked the rifle thoroughly, and we were not able to see any markings on the lock or the barrel, however we would assume that it was made with a "trade lock", possibly imported from England. The lock definitely shows a high level of manufacture, and is still in the original flintlock configuration, which is quite rare to see, as most Pennsylvania rifles we see were converted to percussion during the mid 19th century. It is fully functional at present, holding correctly at half cock and firing at full.

The rifle is in overall very good condition, with wear commensurate with age and service. It features a simple rear notch sight with a front copper blade sight, with no signs that other sights were present in the past. The bore is in very good condition, still showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. Close examination of the touch hole and barrel muzzle does show that the barrel was apparently re-lined at some point, probably in the mid 19th century. The metalwork shows a lovely aged brown patina, though there is a bit of grease and staining present overall. There is a wooden ramrod under the barrel, which looks to be a working life display replacement.

The stock is lovely, with great chatoyancy throughout. There is a very nice cheek piece on the left side of the butt stock, with some wire loops underneath, possibly used to hold some type of clearing device in the past. Unlike most we see, we were not able to find any cracks or other damage to the stock, which is definitely a rarity due to how delicate they can be due to the shape and figured wood used. Definitely one of the best stocks that we have ever seen!

A very nice Pennsylvania Flintlock Hunting rifle with a lovely stock and great brass fittings. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: Dated 1799
Caliber: approx. .39" with 7 groove rifling
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 43 Inches
Overall Length: 58 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.