xxSOLDxx KENTUCKY RIFLE LANCASTER SCHOOL Circa 1785-1790

Although not overtly signed, the inside plate of the lock has a die stamped cartouche on the inside of the lock plate with what appears to be the letters "IM", indicating Jacob Metzger. According to Dan Hartzler,  in his book "Arms Makers of Maryland", Metzger occasionally used the die stamp "IM" as well as occasionally using his full signature and/or full stamped name (Pg 223). In addition, the details and architectural form of this rifle place its manufacture in Lancaster County Pennsylvania, where Metzger is listed as a gunsmith in 1777 documentation. By 1788, Metzger is listed as a co-party to a land indenture in Frederick, Maryland where he worked as a gunsmith until his death in 1837. Noted pioneer collector, researcher and author Sam Dyke had in his possession a gunsmith indenture dated 1774 in which one Jacob Metzger was apprenticed to the influencial early gunsmith Jacob Dickert. Dickert's legacy can be seen in Metzger's relief and incise carving and engraving on this rifle. The high relief carving behind the cheek piece especially is a direct copy of Dickert's carving. The beautifully raised carved ruffled shell behind the barrel tang is to my knowledge, unique. The four piece brass patchbox design is Metzger's own design, but closely resembles the patchbox design found on English copies of early Lancaster rifles given out to important Indian allies during the Revolutionary War. (See "Kentucky Rifle Patchboxes and Barrel Markings" by Roy F. Chambers, Pgs 246 & 247. **SOLD**

This rifle measures 57 3/4 inches overall with a 41 5/8 inch full octagon .50cal barrel. The full stock is tiger maple with a deep rich patina. The stock has high relief carving behind the cheek piece and around and behind the barrel tang with some raised carving following the butt plate and around the wrist with the remainder incise carved. It is in its original flintlock condition. The lock is quite early with an internal frizzen spring screw and was probably made by Metzger himself. There is a solid coin silver engraved six pointed hunters star inlaid above the cheek piece and a solid silver thumb plate at the wrist.

Condition: Excellent original condition with no wood repaired or replaced. The wood surface is original with a deep brown color with slight reddish tint. The barrel is its original length and the lock is in its original flintlock condition. All in all, a fine excellent condition early "Golden Age" Kentucky rifle by an excellent maker.