KENTUCKY RIFLES AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

Signed "Frederick Sell" on a brass plate, Littlestown, PA ca1820

Frederick Sell is one of the most prolific Kentucky rifle makers in Pennsylvania. His work is easily recognized and often signed. He worked in Littlestown with his brother Jacob. He is missing from the records for a period of years and is thought he worked with other gunsmiths as a journeyman. He died in Littlestown in 1869.

The 43.5 inch original length large bore barrel is signed in script on a brass plate. The lock is in original flintlock condition, however, there is wood added to the lock mortise and the touch hole is bushed. A sliver of wood is expertly replaced along the forestock. The wood and metal surfaces are old and probably never cleaned. The trigger guard is of a later style. Curly maple of a better grade was used in stocking the rifle; this is likely the second stock. A reasonably priced example with old surfaces.

Available azt $5,500.00

Unsigned Abraham Angstat, Orwigsburg, then Berks County, Pennsylvania ca 1825

Abraham Angstat was born in Maxatawny Township in 1784. He moved to Orwigsburg soon after learning his trade from Angstat relatives ie. Adam & Joseph. In the late 1830's he moved to Wayne County, Indiana. His rifles are easily identified as in the Angstat style; but Abraham chose a higher combed architecture.

This example has the neatest horse head patchbox similar to ones used by Henry Mauger. The stock retains its reddish varnish finish; the dents and scratches have not been colored leaving it in a marvelous state of preservation. The lock is original to the rifle and was converted to percussion using an altered hammer. The new owner should consider a professional reconversion. The original length barrel is 41 inches with a large bore. The forestock cracked near the rear ramrod pipe and a piece of wood was restored on both sides; these repairs could be done a little better. The forestock is all original except for these minor pieces. A brass worm remains on the ramrod which is probably original to the rifle.

Available at $3,450.00

SALE PENDING Signed A BEARDEN, Alfred Bearden, Lincoln County, TN ca 1840

The Bearden, Smith, and Compton familes came to the Lincoln County area from South Carolina. All were gunsmiths and intermarried. The Beardens were the most prolific with only one signed Franklin Smith rifle and one BH Compton (whale box) rifle known. This example is rare because it is one of the few half-stock southern rifles in original flintlock condition. The lock is marked J Steatham.

The 39 inch rifled barrel is about .38 cal. The curly maple appears to be quite good however, the wonderful dark patina obscures most of it. The iron under rib of the barrel has a short section (about 3 inches long) in front of the cap that is different than the remainder of the rib. I beleive it was made this way; it has never been a fullstock rifle. The ramrod was broken and repaired with a section of a bamboo fly rod. It has its original worm intact. Picture of Alfred off ALR owned by Wayne Elliott.

SALE PENDING

PRICE REDUCED Curly Ash Mountain Rifle, North Carolina ca 1850

Curly ash is rarely used because it is difficult to work but very durable. The grain is beautiful especially if old untouched surfaces are intact as on this example. Though this trigger guard is often seen on eastern Tennessee rifles I believe this rifle was made in North Carolina, Middle Tennessee, or Kentucky. The style of triggers and pointed barrel tang may help identify the region of origin. The 44.5 inch rifled barrel is about .40 cal. Originally it had brass plates at the breech nearest the drum and nipple to protect from corrosion.

Iron straps were inlet on both sides of the tang along the wrist to repair an in period break. The fore arm shows extensive saddle wear. The set triggers are very well made and attractive. The combination of iron, brass, and silver mounts is unusual. This rifle, though in well used condition, has an appeal because of the many unusual characteristics and its surface quality. It speaks of the need to maintain a tool necessary for life in the back country.

Available at $1,950.00 PRICE REDUCED TO $1600.00 2/25

SOLD Signed D Sheets, Daniel Hoover Sheets, Union, OH ca 1840

This rifle is signed in script on the barrel D Sheets with a decorative motif after the signature. Daniel was the son of Martin Sheets who came to Union in 1808 from Randolph County, North Carolina. The barrel is 42" and about .38 cal. it has never been cut down or rebreeched. The plain maple stock is in original condition with no losses or repairs; the original surface survives and is near perfect.

I believe the two pieces of brass , one between the hammer and tang, the other in front of the lock are original to the stock placed there by Daniel to prevent the corrosive action of the percussion caps. The lock is original to the rifle and signed J G Stutsman Dayton Ohio; it is in good working condition. It is an attractive rifle in original condition with pleasing architecture.

SOLD 5/25