Original Item: Only One Available. Here is a very nice octagonal barreled "Kentucky" style flintlock rifle, which more correctly is known as a Pennsylvania Rifle. The lock looks to be an unmarked "Trade Lock", acquired locally. The original markings look to be worn away, and it may be imported or domestic. There is really not any way to tell without a detailed analysis of the style and components. It does look like the lock was replaced during the period, as the forward lock screw does not have any matching threaded hole on the lock plate. The rifle overall has a beautiful sweeping curve to the butt stock area, a trademark of the design. The rifle is minimally mounted, with an iron trigger guard and brass ramrod pipes, with no other fittings. The butt stock never had a butt plate installed, and is not even inlet for one. This style was typically made in the adjacent Lehigh and Berks counties in South Eastern Pennsylvania.

The octagonal barrel is 42 1/2" long, with a bore measuring about 0.530", and has been smoothbored to use as a 32 bore fowling piece, most likely for small game and birding. It is possible that it was originally made as a fowler, but often those would not have any type of sights on the barrel, and this example definitely has front and rear sights. The gun measures and impressive 57 1/4" in overall length, and is full stocked, something we do not see often with this type of rifle. Even better, it is made from highly attractive "Tiger Flame" maple, which really pops in the light. This desirable wood was plentiful during the 19th Century, found in the abundant maple trees of the time. The butt stock area in particularly is beautiful, with some great flame showing a high level of chatoyancy.

The metalwork of the rifle displays a lovely aged and oxidized patina overall, which shows some signs of past peppering, but no major pit rust or similar oxidation. The lock is functional, however it will fire at both full and half cock, and it seems to have a relatively weak mainspring.  There is a good amount of powder burn near the touch hole, so it looks to have seen long use, possibly enough to wear out the rifle and necessitate smooth-boring.

The stock is in very good shape, with a lovely color and great figuring in many areas. We did notice however that the last 8 inches or so near the muzzle has been professionally replaced, with a "scarf joint" present at about a 45 degree angle. This type of joint is much stronger than the end on end joinery often seen on repairs from this era. There is some wood erosion on the right side of the stock behind the lock, and there is also a crack running back from the breech through the lower lock screw. It still retains a wooden ramrod, which is probably a working life replacement.

A most attractive and interesting Pennsylvania Flintlock Long Rifle converted to 32 bore Fowler, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1820
Caliber: about 0.530" - 32 Bore
Cartridge Type: Ball / Shot and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 57 1/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Flint Lock
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.