Original U.S. Pennsylvania Lehigh - Berks County Flintlock Rifle Converted to 32 Bore Fowler with Full Flame Maple Stock - circa 1820

Original Item: Only One Available. Here is a very nice octagonal barreled "Kentucky" style flintlock rifle, which more correctly is known as a Pennsylvania Rifle. The lock looks to be an unmarked "Trade Lock", acquired locally. The original markings look to be worn away, and it may be imported or domestic. There is really not any way to tell without a detailed analysis of the style and components. It does look like the lock was replaced during the period, as the forward lock screw does not have any matching threaded hole on the lock plate. The rifle overall has a beautiful sweeping curve to the butt stock area, a trademark of the design. The rifle is minimally mounted, with an iron trigger guard and brass ramrod pipes, with no other fittings. The butt stock never had a butt plate installed, and is not even inlet for one. This style was typically made in the adjacent Lehigh and Berks counties in South Eastern Pennsylvania.

The octagonal barrel is 42 1/2" long, with a bore measuring about 0.530", and has been smoothbored to use as a 32 bore fowling piece, most likely for small game and birding. It is possible that it was originally made as a fowler, but often those would not have any type of sights on the barrel, and this example definitely has front and rear sights. The gun measures and impressive 57 1/4" in overall length, and is full stocked, something we do not see often with this type of rifle. Even better, it is made from highly attractive "Tiger Flame" maple, which really pops in the light. This desirable wood was plentiful during the 19th Century, found in the abundant maple trees of the time. The butt stock area in particularly is beautiful, with some great flame showing a high level of chatoyancy.

The metalwork of the rifle displays a lovely aged and oxidized patina overall, which shows some signs of past peppering, but no major pit rust or similar oxidation. The lock is functional, however it will fire at both full and half cock, and it seems to have a relatively weak mainspring.  There is a good amount of powder burn near the touch hole, so it looks to have seen long use, possibly enough to wear out the rifle and necessitate smooth-boring.

The stock is in very good shape, with a lovely color and great figuring in many areas. We did notice however that the last 8 inches or so near the muzzle has been professionally replaced, with a "scarf joint" present at about a 45 degree angle. This type of joint is much stronger than the end on end joinery often seen on repairs from this era. There is some wood erosion on the right side of the stock behind the lock, and there is also a crack running back from the breech through the lower lock screw. It still retains a wooden ramrod, which is probably a working life replacement.

A most attractive and interesting Pennsylvania Flintlock Long Rifle converted to 32 bore Fowler, ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: c.1820
Caliber: about 0.530" - 32 Bore
Cartridge Type: Ball / Shot and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 57 1/4 Inches
Action type: Side Action Flint Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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