xxSOLDxx KENTUCKY RIFLE LEHIGH SCHOOL CIRCA 1820-1830

This is a wonderful Alemaengel School rifle reliably attributed to Christian Claus who worked in Lynn Township, Lehigh County Pennsylvania, circa at least as early as 1794 to 1830. This rifle features many of the details of the famous dated "1794" Christian Claus rifle, (which I had the privilege of owning for 20 years) and is pictured in Jim Johnston's "Kentucky Rifles and Pistols 1750 to 1850", Pg. 15. Details primarily include lozen shaped wrist inlays, small wave like engraving, the unique "eagle" engraved cheekpiece inlay, the uniquely designed Indian head or Liberty head engraved on the wear plate (which is an integral part of the entry ferrule) forward of the trigger guard which matches many of the details on the "1794" rifle pictured in Johnston's book.  The folky "eagle" engraved on cheek piece inlay is also a purely C. Claus in design. The engraved cheek piece features an eagle body form whose head segues into a Federal shield complete with the stars and stripes.  This rifle measures 59 3/4 inches overall with an .44 caliber full octagon rifled barrel measuring 45 inches. The rifle features a tiger maple, well figured full stock with six silver inlays at the barrel pin escutcheons.  The comb has a full brass inlay on the length of the top and a full brass toe plate running from the butt to the rear trigger guard. In addition, the rear entry ferrules extends to the trigger guard to form an integral wear plate and is well engraved with the Lehigh "Indian Head" and small "S" scroll engraving typical of Christian Claus. The rifle also features an unusual (for Claus) engraved four piece brass matchbox with a well designed and pierced finial. Many of Claus' rifles have the simpler 2 piece patchbox design typical of Lehigh County rifles.  **SOLD**

Condition: Excellent. Original flintlock made by Claus himself is unique in its "Germanic style" but has an elongated "banana" shape. The lock was probably reconverted to flint. There is a small crack at the muzzle cap (see pics) and a stable crack forward of the sideuplate. I love this rifle.