GOLDEN AGE KENTUCKY RIFLE by Christian Beck

This beautiful golden age Kentucky rifle, circa 1810 exhibits a raised carved full stock of curly maple with its original flintlock in original flint configuration.  The rifle measures 57 1/2" overall.  The top flat of the full octagon 42 1/4 inch .50 cal. straight rifled barrel is signed in "C * Beck".  Christian Beck was born in 1782 in Lebanon, Dauphin County (now Lebanon County) to John Philip Beck, the famous Revolutionary War period rifle maker.  He worked for over 30 years in Jonestown, Lebanon County and died there in 1861 at the age of 79.  Christian Beck undoubtedly apprenticed to his father J.P. Beck, and is listed as a gunsmith in the 1807 and 1811 Triennial Assessment, as well as the tax records for 1825 for Jonestown, Lebanon County Pennsylvania.  This Christian Beck has been well researched by Van Pittman in an excellent two article series in the Kentucky Rifle Association Bulletin, Fall of 2012 and Fall 2013, and is prominently pictured in his article "Which Christian Beck Is It?" Part II.

Condition:  Excellent.  Old mellow surface with no wood restoration whatsoever.  The straight rifled barrel was probably shortened in its period of use by 2 inches or so. The lock mainspring is detached but still with the rifle.