Antique American Flintlock Kentucky Rifle, with English Lock

Antique American Flintlock Kentucky Rifle, with English Lock, NVSN,

.60 cal., 37.5" octagonal barrel has low blade front and notched rear sights and is unmarked. Lock marked "W./Ketland/& Co.", with "swan's neck" cock and rounded pan with rear flash guard.

Brass furniture includes 7" patchbox with "whale tail" finial and trapdoor opening to stock cavity containing red patch material, trigger guard with faceted tangs, crescent buttplate with faceted top tang, "bowtie" sideplate, 1.75" nosecap and 3 faceted thimbles retaining the plain hickory ramrod.

Fullstock of maple has 1" brass oval at wrist and a 2" eye-shaped brass escutcheon at cheekpiece. Made likely first half of the 19th century with blued barrel, case hardened lock and unfinished brass. Condition is good to very good, the barrel being dark gray (having perhaps been dressed/re-colored) with heavy pitting in area of touchhole which is missing its bushing. Lock shows overall moderate erosion and fine markings, is a replacement with imperfect fit at front and rear.

Missing one sideplate screw. Stock is sound and smooth with a secure 3.25" crack ahead of lock, pleasing grain and tiger striping. Action does not hold cock; bore, which is now smooth, shows light erosion.