KENTUCKY RIFLES AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

Signed " C B " Christian Beck III, Connersville, Indiana ca 1835

Christian Beck III, who trained in John Bonewitz' shop, worked in many places throughout his life. He moved from Martinsburg, (now) WV to Connersville, Indiana in 1831. His son Christian was a gunsmith there as well and Christian III may have worked with him. The rifles bares similarity in architecture to ones he made in Williamsport and Martinsburg in the late 1820's. There can be little doubt that Christian signed this rifle as the script is exactly the same as the script on his rifles of the late 1820's.

This example has a wonderful old surface and in untouched condition. The 43" rifled barrel is about .38 cal and was never rebreeched. Of interst is the unusual attachment of the lock; there are no through lock bolts only a bolt threaded into the barrel tang from the lock. This may be an Indiana detail. Also of interest is the tobacco tag pinned to the butt stock which is usually seen on eastern Tennessee rifles. Minor losses to edge of fore stock is the only apology to the condition.

Available at $1950.00

Thanks to Van Pitman for information on Christian Beck III

Unsigned Nathaniel Offutt, Capon Bridge, Hampshire County, WV ca 1840

Nathniel Offutt was born in Charles Town. There is a strong relationship between the Rinehart's, Nathaniel Offutt and Benjamin F Shane in Hampshire County. The Rineghart's left Hampshire County having both previously indebted to gunsmith Nathaniel Offutt. Offutt bought the land and shop of J W Rinehart. Benjamin Shane upon Offutt's death bought his land and shop. Another example of Offutt's work is pictured in "Longrifles of Virginia" by Butler & Whisker on pg 59 showing similarity in architecture. A Benjamin Shane rifle pictured in Whisker "Gunsmith's of West Virginia" page 154 shows a example with the unusual simple curved lock bolt plate like the Offutt example.

The rifle is in excellent condition with no losses or restoration. The rifled barrel is 38" and about .36 cal.

Available at $1,950.00

Signed J Roop, Jacob Roop, Bellefonte, "Roopsburg", Centre County, PA ca1835

This is a late example of Jacob's work in Centre County not long before he moved to Indiana in the early 1840"s. Roop is known for a large variation in his designs especially after moving to Centre County. He had a large operation in "Roopsburg" as a gunsmith, miller, and brewmaster.

The rifle is in good condition having been re-breeched during it's period of use. "BELLEFONTE" is stamped at the breech however, because it was rebreeched the first 4 letters are gone. Though not as decorative as many of his Dauphin County rifles this has the silver oval cheekpiece inlay and thumbplate and brass cheekpiece plate. His patchbox is a bit more elaborate than other Bellefonte examples. The rifled barrel is 38.5" and about .58 cal. It's likely the rifle was carried west as the larger bore would indicate. Minor wood restoration at the toe.

Available at $2,450.00

SOLD SOLD Signed Leman, Lancaster, PA ca 1840

Henry Leman supplied many trade guns to the Bureau of Indian Affairs of different grades and styles. This example is rather late and carries a capbox rather than a patchbox. It also has faux graining, a brass wear plate, silver moon in cheekpiece, and is a fullstock. The rifled barrel is 35.5" and about .38 cal. The lock is stamped Leman Lancaster as is the barrel which is also stamped Warranted'

The rifle is all original and in excellent condition with no loses or repairs. The faux graining is in near perfect condition. This is a rare oportunity to add a nearly untouched Leman trade rifle to your collection.

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