xxSOLDxx EARLY LEHIGH SCHOOL RIFLE DATED 1794

**SOLD**This award winning spectacular fullstock flintlock rifle made circa 1794 measures 60 1/4" overall.  The unsigned 44 1/2" barrel is full octagon smooth rifle in .38 cal.  The wonderfully graceful "Roman nose" architecture with double arced (ie "stepped") wrist is enhanced by its bold tiger maple and profuse carving.  This rifle has features which exhibit classic early Allemeangel/Lehigh characteristics such as:  1)  the Roman nose stock architecture;  2)  a wrist which is broader in cross section than it is deep;  3)  a two piece engraved patchbox;  4)  the pierced brass inlays at the wrist with soap or Mecungie stone inserts as well as two engraved coin silver inlays;  5)  a arrowhead sideplate finial, as well as toeplate finial;  6)  the flatsided forestock with triple beauty lines, and finally  7)  folk art elements such as the incise carved Liberty (or Indian) head forward of the triggerguard and a tulip engraved on the patchbox.  It is profusely carved in semi-raised, relief, and incise carving behind and forward of the cheekpiece, around the wrist, and forward of the patchbox finial, and around the barrel tang.  It is dated "1794" on the flat of the lower butt stock.

Condition:  Excellent.  It has a surface split near the barrel tang.  Original flintlock probably made by the gunsmith himself but is reconverted.  Very thick coat of waxy substance over original fiddle finish.

Awards:  Two KRA Awards "1966 One of Ten Best Rifles", and "Best Dated Rifle 2000".  Both engraved silver awards included with rifle.