...shown in the previous post, muzzleloading firearms arguably reached their highest point in the
Kentucky Rifle:
These long, rifled barrel weapons were instrumental in the European colonization (some would say conquest) of North America. They fused the finest elements of American craftsmanship - gunsmithing, furniture making, silversmithing, blacksmithing, woodworking, etc.
This example appears to be modern (that is, made as a presentation piece in the 20th Century), but it has many of the elements that make Kentucky Rifles so collectible - figured maple stock, detailed carvings of game species, metal and ivory inlays, silver furniture, flintlock action, and precision workmanship that made these rifles some of the most accurate muzzleloading firearms ever made. It's nearly 6' long,
The image above shows some of the detail - note the little silver snake emanating from the front edge of the rear sight. This detail is not functional - it only reflects on the skills and eye of the maker and the taste of the owner. Sadly, this example appears to be unmarked - although I've not removed the barrel from the stock. This is sad, because this gun's maker has a lot to be proud of, assuming they are still around.
These long, rifled barrel weapons were instrumental in the European colonization (some would say conquest) of North America. They fused the finest elements of American craftsmanship - gunsmithing, furniture making, silversmithing, blacksmithing, woodworking, etc.
This example appears to be modern (that is, made as a presentation piece in the 20th Century), but it has many of the elements that make Kentucky Rifles so collectible - figured maple stock, detailed carvings of game species, metal and ivory inlays, silver furniture, flintlock action, and precision workmanship that made these rifles some of the most accurate muzzleloading firearms ever made. It's nearly 6' long,
The image above shows some of the detail - note the little silver snake emanating from the front edge of the rear sight. This detail is not functional - it only reflects on the skills and eye of the maker and the taste of the owner. Sadly, this example appears to be unmarked - although I've not removed the barrel from the stock. This is sad, because this gun's maker has a lot to be proud of, assuming they are still around.
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