KENTUCKY RIFLES FOR SALE ON CONSIGNMENT

Signed J Umholtz, Jacob Umholtz, Gratz, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania dated 1828

A rare maker in Dauphin County, Jacob Umholtz was associated with both Jacob Roop and Leonard Reedy in the style of his rifles. Only 2 known signed rifles exist by this maker. This example has come through the years in very good condition having only minor changes and little damage. Umholtz was born in 1796 and died in 1853. His house and gunshop burned in 2017. see www.lykensvalley.org for a photo.

The 44 inch rifled barrel is about .45 cal. and remains its original length. The curly maple is quite good with consistant curl thoughout. The lock is original to the rifle and has been reconverted back to flintlock. Set triggers were added to the rifle in period and the original trigger guard was moved back to accomodate them. A brass inlay was added to the space in front of the trigger guard. Jacob was not a deep engraver as seen in his signature, engraving on the patchbox with the date 1828, and toe plate. The incised carving is reminiscent of Reedy's later work. Patchbox design and architecture is similar to Jacob Roops rifles. There is no wood repair or restoration and all mounts are original to the rifle. The finish is thin but has never been harshly cleaned.

Available at $4,250.00

Unsigned Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Possibly Covington, Virginia CA 1800

A small group of rifles including this, 2 others, and one listed under "sold items" on this website have checkered wrist, low comb architecture, cast brass patchboxes where the lid does not overlap the butt plate, open work sideplates, simplistic incised line carving, and wavy wriggle-work engraving outlining the patchbox. These are believed to be from Rockbridge, Botetourt, or Alleghany counties of Virginia.

Another example pictured in an article on Kentucky rifle shows these characteristics though relief carved; see: https://ehcnc.org/decorative-arts/historic-trades/the-kentucky-rifle/ figure 67. Another example sold on this site in March, 2022 is very similar to this one (photos available upon request). This group represents a refreshing individualism non-existant on traditional rifles.

The lock is original to the rifle and remains in unaltered condition. The rifled barrel is 43" about .45 cal. All mounts and decorative details are original and undamaged including the silver headed barrel wedges. A piece of wood 13" x 3/8" is restored along the forestock and another short sliver on the opposite side near the fore end cap. The finish is thin allowing the curl to show. This is a rare opportunity to own a fine, rare, and unusual rifle from the Valley.

Available $7,950.00

Signed "LECHLER", Henry Lechler, CaRlisle, Pennsylvania, ca 1815

Henry Lechler worked in Lancaster in his early career and moved to Carlisle; this example was made in Carlisle. He was prolific and made rifles both plain and nicely carved and decorated. The smoothbore barrel is almost 46". Other than the patchbox there is little decoration. The curly maple is far above average and retains an original dark surface; quite pleasing. The rifle was shortened when converted to percussion and the fore end cap was never replaced.

This is a pleasing rifle with a nicely engraved patchbox, wood, and surface. Restoration keeps the price in an affordable range.

Available at $1995 firm