KENTUCKY RIFLES FOR SALE ON CONSIGNMENT

SOLD Signed "H Carlile" Henry Carlile, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania ca 1825

Henry Carlile worked in Shippensburg Pennsylvania and was taxed as a gunsmith from 1818 to 1847. This example is well decorated and has strong characteristics of the Cumberland Valley school. Another example of this school is by Shillito for sale on this website. The rifled barrel is 42" and about .45 cal and about 3" was cut in the 1830's when converted to percussion; it is now back to its original length. The curly maple is very nice and the surface is original and desireable. About 6" of the forestock was replaced to accomodate the 42" barrel. The fore end cap and first ramrod pipe are restored. The English lock has been expertly reconverted and is likely the original lock. A piece of wood has been restored in front of the lock.

The engraving skills of all these Cumberland Valley gunsiths is noteworthy and this example is as fine as any. The engraved eagle on the cheekpiece is masterful as is the patchbox engraving. Though restored this rifle has wonderful curly maple, great artistic details, is signed and is a bit more rare than his contemporaries in the region.

SOLD 9/26