Object Record
Images
Additional Images [7]
Metadata
Object Name |
Rifle, Long |
Catalog Number |
1904.26.1 |
Maker |
Graham, Taylor |
Date |
ca. 1820 |
Material(s) |
Brass/Walnut/Wrought iron |
Dimensions |
H-10 W-63.5 D-2.25 inches |
Description |
This long rifle is known as 'Boons Best Fren.' The rifle has a full stock with an octagonal barrel. The piece has four barrel bands. The barrel also is wire wrapped at the butt end over the stamped initials. The rifle has one brass ramrod pipe with an iron ramrod. The barrel has a "D.B" and a heart punch-stamped on it. It is a double triggered, fixed sight flintlock with no side plate. The rifle has an iron trigger guard, a brass butt plate, and inset piece of bone above the butt stock. The side of the butt stock has an inlaid brass plate. The right hand side of the stock is engraved with 15 notches in front of the lock. The butt stock has images of a Native American, deer, sunrise and a tree branch engraved on the side. The left side of the butt stock has the inscription with the rifle's name engraved in the side. |
Notes |
This rifle and a powder horn (1904.26.2) were reportedly owned by Daniel Boone. Both were purchased by the Kentucky Historical Society from Gilbert Walden in 1900. Walden's ancestor was with Boone in Kentucky. Hundreds of artifacts were marked with Daniel Boone's initials -- the vast majority of them were not owned by Daniel Boone. The Historical Society has no evidence that Boone owned this piece and it is likely it did not in fact belong to him. The style of this rifle and the manufacturer of the lock indicate that this was NOT Daniel Boone's rifle and was made after his death. It has been speculated that it was made as a forgery, but given Walden's close connection with the Boone family; it is possible that the rifle belonged to another Boone family member. |
Collection |
Gilbert Walden Collection |
People |
Boone, Daniel, 1734-1820 |
Subjects |
Arms & armament Firearms Rifles |
Search Terms |
Arms & armament |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |