Original U.S. Pennsylvania Flintlock Rifle by Henry E. Leman of Lancaster with Figured Maple Full Stock - Circa 1830

Original Item: Only One Available. Here is a very nice octagonal barreled "Kentucky" style rifle, which more correctly is known as a Pennsylvania Rifle. It is marked on the top of the barrel with H. E. LEMAN in an arc, with a faint marking to the right that could be "WARRANTED", or possibly "LANCTR.PA". This is one of the markings used by Pennsylvania gunmaker HENRY E LEMAN, who worked in Lancaster from 1812 until 1887, and while most that we have seen are percussion or percussion converted, this example is in flintlock.

The rifle features a 41 inch long octagonal barrel with a bore of about 0.36", cut with heavy 7 groove rifling. We also noted a marking of 355 L on the barrel, which could possibly be a caliber marking. Overall length is 56 1/4 inches, and the barrel is relatively heavy for accurate shooting, much like "bench rest" rifles of the day. It is full stocked with a white brass nose cap, and the stock is made from lovely "figured" maple, which really pops in the light, a property known as "Chatoyancy". This desirable wood was plentiful during the 19th Century, found in the abundant maple trees of the time. The rifle is all brass mounted, with a "pistol grip" style trigger guard for a more secure hold, and a lovely brass patch box on the left side of the butt stock. This was probably intended to open by pushing on the bottom of the butt plate, however the mechanism is no longer working so it takes a bit of maneuvering to get it to open.

As with many rifles produced during this period, it is fitted with a "trade lock", in this case marked R. ASHMORE / & SON / WARRANTED, a known lock maker based in the same area as Leman. Richard Ashmore originally started his Lock making business circa 1800, and later his son worked with him, which puts production of this lock around 1830-1840. The lock is currently fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The frizzen spring is strong, and has a roller on it for easier action.

The stock is in very good shape, showing a lovely color from centuries of cleaning. These were often coated with a lacquer that darkened a lot over time, and this example retains it very well, with a fantastic glow. We did note however that there is a crack through the wrist area of the rifle, which has been glued in the past and is stable. The very thin stocks combined with the relatively weakness of figured maple makes these cracks somewhat common. There is a nice cheek piece carved into the left butt stock, typical of the German style, which has a "crescent moon" inlay on it. There is a wooden rod under the barrel, which is decorative only.

A most attractive and interesting Pennsylvania Long Rifle, marked by TWO known Lancaster makers, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1830
Caliber: about 0.36" - Seven Groove Rifling
Cartridge Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 41 Inches
Overall Length: 56 1/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Flintlock
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.