Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Rifle, Long |
Catalog Number |
1952.33 |
Date |
ca. 1850 |
Material(s) |
Wood/Steel |
Dimensions |
H-9 W-60 D-2 inches |
Description |
This long Rifle has a full stock and an octagonal barrel and is approximately .36 caliber. There is a brass nosecap, three brass ramrod pipes, and an elongated brass oval sideplate. The trigger guard and a two piece butt plate are also made of brass. The lock is a back action lock and the rifle is double triggered and has fixed sights. The lock is engraved with images of a hunter, birds in flight and a floral design. There is a floral ribbon with the makers mark stamped on it. The hammer has a copper rivet holding it to the lock. |
Notes |
The Kentucky Long Rifle is the state gun of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and is synonymous with frontiersmen and American Revolutionary guerilla fighters. The style remained in popular use from its introduction as a flintlock in the early 1700s; its simplicity and reliability kept the style popular among hunters and frontiersmen after pieces were constructed or converted as percussion cap rifles, and they remained in use until the 20th century. This example bears few marks, and is an example of a "Southern Mountain Rifle": long rifles made by back country gunsmiths or other craftsmen using machined parts from other manufacturers, in this case, Goulcher of New York who made parts for such craftsmen specifically. The low (.36) caliber and hunting motifs are good indicators this rifle was intended to be used as a fowling or small game rifle. |
Collection |
Rebecca Gano Collection |
Subjects |
Arms & armament Firearms Rifles |
Search Terms |
Weapons Arms & armament |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |