"There is likely more lore and romance surrounding the Kentucky rifle than any other American gun"
Quite a few qualities give Kentucky rifles their unique appeal.
First, distinctive American flavor - they are truly one of the few indigenous American weapons.
Secondly, sheer beauty - they are all attractive and pleasing to the eye. Aesthetically, Kentuckies represent the most handsome of all early American weapons, ranking with the finest products of Europe.
Lastly, their unparalleled role in the development of American history - from use prior to and during the American Revolution and the War of 1812 to the integral part in forging and expanding the western frontiers.
A beginning collector of Kentucky rifles should know that veteran collectors will generally assign a gun to one of three major classifications.
1.) A Transition Period Piece (1715-1775) - German design was still undergoing its transformation. Features: Flintlock hammer, 40+" barrel, app. 60 caliber, early examples will have sliding wood patchbox covers, little embellishment. Rare and highly collected. $10,000+
2.) A Golden Age Rifle (1775-1825) - Highest development of American rococo design and gunsmith art. Features: Flintlock hammer, 42"-46" barrel, app. 50 caliber, sophisticated relief carving, fancy brass & silver patchboxes, stocks are made from the finest grains of wood - usually tiger maple. Highly coveted. $3,000+
3.) Percussion Phase (1825-1860) - Quality weapons made with less artistry. Features: Percussion ignition system hammer, 34"-36" barrel, app. 40 caliber, relief carving is rare but inlay work is often exceptional, plain brass patchboxes, good quality wood. Like all Kentucky's - still highly desirable. $1,000+
Quite a few qualities give Kentucky rifles their unique appeal.
First, distinctive American flavor - they are truly one of the few indigenous American weapons.
Secondly, sheer beauty - they are all attractive and pleasing to the eye. Aesthetically, Kentuckies represent the most handsome of all early American weapons, ranking with the finest products of Europe.
Lastly, their unparalleled role in the development of American history - from use prior to and during the American Revolution and the War of 1812 to the integral part in forging and expanding the western frontiers.
A beginning collector of Kentucky rifles should know that veteran collectors will generally assign a gun to one of three major classifications.
1.) A Transition Period Piece (1715-1775) - German design was still undergoing its transformation. Features: Flintlock hammer, 40+" barrel, app. 60 caliber, early examples will have sliding wood patchbox covers, little embellishment. Rare and highly collected. $10,000+
2.) A Golden Age Rifle (1775-1825) - Highest development of American rococo design and gunsmith art. Features: Flintlock hammer, 42"-46" barrel, app. 50 caliber, sophisticated relief carving, fancy brass & silver patchboxes, stocks are made from the finest grains of wood - usually tiger maple. Highly coveted. $3,000+
3.) Percussion Phase (1825-1860) - Quality weapons made with less artistry. Features: Percussion ignition system hammer, 34"-36" barrel, app. 40 caliber, relief carving is rare but inlay work is often exceptional, plain brass patchboxes, good quality wood. Like all Kentucky's - still highly desirable. $1,000+
