https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog daily 0.75 2026-04-02 https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/another-good-shooting-plain-looking-settle-rifle- monthly 0.5 2026-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/57ad720b-ff06-4cfb-9779-7baa38ecdca3/Settle+WF+front+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Another Good Shooting, Plain Looking Settle Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This Settle rifle is stamped “W. F. Settle” [Willis Franklin Settle] on the barrel and is representative of most Settle rifles from the mid-1800s. It is undecorated with good barrel length and clean lines, but there is nothing outstanding about it… except its accuracy. Settle rifles were no-frills guns made for the common man who wanted a solid, accurate hunting rifle at a reasonable price and did not feel the need for a flashy gun to impress his neighbors. He was a true Kentuckian who demanded function over frills out in rural west central Kentucky. Barrel: 40-1/8 inches, .32 caliber bore, 7-groove rifling. Author’s collection, photos by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3da397ba-b2c2-468d-9000-5b187cf1daa0/Settle+WF+rear+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Another Good Shooting, Plain Looking Settle Rifle © Figure No.2: The back side of the Willis Settle rifle is about as plain as a Kentucky guns could get. It lacks a cheekpiece, thumbpiece, and has only a functional but small lock bolt washer, made in diamond form to prevent its turning in the wood when the lock bolt was removed or replaced. Yet the rifle has an appeal in its simplicity, clean lines, and triangular Kentucky butt. One above average feature on the rifle is its walnut stock, with its grain bending with the curvature of the wrist, strengthening the gun’s weakest area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9e82e3da-0ac6-40f4-86f2-5c9c4b000ad4/Settle+WF+signature.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Another Good Shooting, Plain Looking Settle Rifle © - Figure No.3: Several of the later Settle gunmakers added a “serial number” after their names and at times a date, indicating where the rifle fit among the many rifles they made during their lifetimes. Here Willis F. Settle used Roman numerals XXXV to indicate this was his thirty-fifth rifle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2640e456-56f3-493d-86d7-35a279d16d90/Settle+lock+guard+triggers.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Another Good Shooting, Plain Looking Settle Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: This rifle has a Kentucky style guard with a “square shoulder” above the rear spur, often seen on northern Kentucky guns, and a front “hair” trigger with a “C” scroll on its back edge, again, a detail more often seen on guns made in and around Louisville. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/10d0eb9d-7acc-4ece-8dc4-74bcbce2c28a/Settle+WF+tang.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Another Good Shooting, Plain Looking Settle Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The rifle has a longer than normal tang with three screws. This arrangement is a more a southeastern mountain rifle feature, where there is no tang bolt threading into the trigger plate, but simply multiple wood screws holding the tang and barrel to the stock. The lack of a tang bolt leaves the lock mortise more vulnerable to breakage, and in this case the stock cracked across the lock mortise at the mounting pin for the guard’s front extension, as seen in Figure No.4 to the left. If a tang bolt had been present, locking the tang and trigger plate tightly together, the crack may not have occurred. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/exceptional-rifles-by-an-obscure-gunsmith-of-kentucky-and-missouri- monthly 0.5 2026-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f6e8d622-841e-4327-97be-1b4642e936af/PhilipsJG+plain+barrel+initials+XX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This initialed signature is on John G. Philips’ earliest rifle made while he was in Kentucky about 1815. Note the unique “P” that quickly identifies a gun by Philips, despite not immediately being recognized as a “P” by most people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f5a19e4d-1cd2-4056-b800-f2394c08941d/Philips+fancy+signature+XX5.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: This signature is on Philips’ second, more heavily decorated rifle. It documents the single “L” in his last name, as do all his barrel signatures with last names. While his engraving was not elaborate, it was neat and well done on all his known guns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/00d9f3d4-4e76-4d9f-b25a-597b46844362/Philips-plain-full+front.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Figure No.3a: This full-stocked rifle by John G. Philips’ is his early work, signed with his initials in Figure No.1 above. The stock’s only enhancement is forestock and lower butt molding lines, leaving fine stock architecture to make an otherwise plain rifle attractive. Mountings are iron with a fancy guard with heavy front post and combination spur/scroll for a rear spur, and the rear pipe is flangeless. A broken wrist has been repaired with well-shaped iron reinforcements set into the wood to retain a smooth wrist surface. The triangular butt and tight side facings around the lock are typical of Kentucky guns. The barrel has been shortened about 4-3/4 inches, but it is still 40-7/8 inches long with a .44 caliber bore and 7-groove rifling. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/72e62dfd-24e0-44a4-9403-f01714ff21ef/Philips-plain-rear+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © Figure No.3b: The back side of the early Philips rifle highlights its fine iron butt plate and guard. Note the clean, triangular butt lines and conventional cheekpiece that indicate an early gun by Philips. A well-done repair to a broken wrist is comprised of iron supports inlet into the stock wood so that the wrist’s surface remained smooth with no raised edges. A full iron side plate also reinforces the break area. The iron repair work is so good, it almost matches the fine iron work of the mountings, suggesting gunsmith Philips may have also done the repair work. Author’s collection, photos by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/12f8630d-4807-4a0e-8207-9fb99f41f859/Philips-plain-rear+side+facing+guard+triggers.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Make it stand out Figure No.3c: A closer view of the wrist shows its fine iron repairs done to stabilize a wrist break. The iron supports, including the top one that wraps around the wrist, are inlaid evenly with the wood surface for a smooth grip. Note the well-shaped iron guard and triggers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/21f00c13-0e0e-4b42-ab07-a0c981cce2bf/Philips+plain+rear+pipe+XX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Make it stand out Figure No.3d: Philips’ early rifle has fine iron mountings. A flangeless rear pipe butts squarely against the forestock, and a double line forestock molding runs outward from the rear pipe. The rear sight has been moved back, indicating the barrel was shortened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d96b6dcc-0733-4678-9b66-d32fc34f991d/Philips+fancy+full+XX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Make it stand out Figure No.4a: This highly decorated rifle by Philips has a large patchbox that resembles a modified National Road patchbox despite the gun being made in Missouri about 1830. Note the increased drop in the butt compared to Philips’ earlier rifle, and a similar broken wrist repaired this time with crude iron strips. The guard and triggers are more elaborate than expected for a Missouri gun, and while hard to see, there are forestock and butt moldings and fancy German silver inlays at the barrel wedge locations that are neatly engraved. The gun exhibits superior workmanship for its late flint era date and rural location. Photos courtesy Poulin Antiques & Auctions, Fairfield, Maine. Barrel: 44 inches long, .38 caliber. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/308ab367-bedb-4d05-bab8-27a83e8bfbe3/Philips+fancy+rear+half+XX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © Figure No.4b: The back of the fancy Philips full-stocked rifle is decorated with multiple German silver inlays, suggesting a fine rifle made for a wealthy patron. The inlays have tarnished to an odd gray color, possibly due to excessive exposure to heat as a crackled stock finish suggests. The gun can be dated by its single lock bolt with small washer. Single bolt flint guns first appeared in Kentucky about 1822, and a year or two later in Missouri. While the lock is a converted flintlock, it was either a late single bolt flint gun or an early percussion gun using an older rebuilt lock… but the gun dates well past Philips’ 1817 departure date from Kentucky. Courtesy Poulin Auctions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3d6718ad-813a-4e3f-864d-69624b1376bc/philips+fancy+patchbox+XX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Make it stand out Figure No.4c: The brass patchbox on Philips’ fancy rifle is related to National Road style boxes often seen on early Ohio rifles, suggesting Philips was influenced by guns carried into Boone County, Missouri, by Ohio settlers. Courtesy Poulin Auctions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9b1558b0-e514-467b-9fea-ba869c4c99d1/Philips+fancy+rear+side+face+XX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Make it stand out Figure No.4d: This image shows the elaborate triggers and adjustment screw on Philips’ fine rifle. While smaller inlays are plain, the larger ones are engraved, and the anchor-shaped lock bolt washer has an attractive border of small scallops in a “swag” pattern. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/bf5c4279-d048-4b4e-8481-f979076b6bb1/Philips+junk+capbox+XX3.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Make it stand out Figure No.5a: This mid-1840s Philips rifle has the same butt plate and lower butt molding line as his prior rifle, but the earlier elaborate patchbox has been replaced by a hand-made, sheet brass cap box [or grease box] of simpler but inventive design. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e5ef60d4-04f7-496c-bf47-52d011cb9699/Philips+junk+lock+XX.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Make it stand out Figure No.5b: The side facings around the lock on the 1840s Philips rifle are rather snug, similar to Kentucky guns of the same era. The gun has a patent breech, original percussion lock, and hand-made triggers, while the guard is reminiscent of Lexington, Kentucky, guards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8d2b0bb3-3300-4f97-8667-fafb47e6004c/Philips+junk+rear+side+face+XX.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Make it stand out Figure No.5c: The rear side facing has an exceptional winged side plate, an almost exact duplicate of earlier side plates used by Kentucky gunsmith Moses Dickson of Louisville. Note the nicely checkered wrist. The rifle’s barrel is signed “J. G. Philips” in script. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a3b950af-5f0f-4b32-a286-a1abca33921e/Philips+junk+cheekpiece+XX.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Make it stand out Figure No.5d: The 1840s “beaver tail” style cheekpiece has nicely molded edges and sits high above the butt’s surface. It once had a large, round inlay in its center, perhaps engraved like its counterpart on the prior rifle seen in Figure No.4b due to similar nail patterns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/4da26542-5395-4b92-9f07-8fa0b6df2bf1/Philips+junk+grip+area+-+rear+pipe++XX.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Make it stand out Figure No.5e: The damaged rifle’s forestock has been cut back to a half-stock during its working life, as verified by the remnant of a forestock molding line cut off by a later cast nose cap. An attractive forestock inlay is now missing, and Philips’ rear pipe now has a flange. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2538a6fa-8570-4090-909e-bc58ca6e48d4/Philips+junk+toe+plate+XX.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Make it stand out Figure No.5f: While damaged, the rifle’s toe plate still shows traces of its original quality with a missing pointed finial and barely visible swagged borders running lengthwise along its edges. What appears to be a vent pic hole suggests it may have been a very late flint gun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7b421639-4521-4e0d-bc42-ac273a2eb192/philips+halfstock+full+XX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Make it stand out Figure No.6a: This fine, silver inlaid half-stocked rifle was made by John G. Philips in Boone County, Missouri, in the 1850s. It is the latest Philps rifle known to the author, and as expected, it maintains Philips’ high levels of quality in both stocking and furniture with particularly fine silver inlay work. The patent breech, silver borders on the side facings [a southern influence?] and silver barrel bands all indicate a high-priced rifle for a demanding customer. Barrel specifications were not available. Photos courtesy of Rock Island Auction Co., Rock Island, IL. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e2b5b36c-393c-4a53-971c-6cea4aad3c7c/Philips+halfstock+rear+half+XX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © Figure No.6b: The back side of the 1850s half-stocked rifle by Philips shows matching wrist inlays in the form of a raised wing eagle that complement the larger cheekpiece eagle. The cheekpiece itself is a bit surprising; it is not the later rounded or “beaver tail” style cheekpiece used on Philips’ earlier rifles, but rather a somewhat more conventional style of cheekpiece with a flat bottom. Photo courtesy of Rock Island Auction Co. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1f0a81ce-8b80-4ca1-9f05-240266a4d8c7/Philips+halfstock+name+XX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Exceptional Rifles of Obscure Kentucky/Missouri Gunsmith John G. Philips © - Figure No.6c: By the 1850s, Philips was stamping name on his rifle barrels with his first two initials and full last name. Note how the silver wedges set in the barrel on either side of the signature highlight both its location and the signature itself. Photo courtesy of Rock Island Auction Co. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/heartbreaker-a-fine-benjamin-mills-rifle-in-deplorable-condition monthly 0.5 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8ab1659d-e4d4-4862-8040-82b8e58e9a68/blog-Mills+full+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Fine Benjamin Mills Rifle in Rough, Neglected Condition © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This worn Benjamin Mills rifle was made in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, about 1850. The gun is complete but had a hard life for what was originally a fine rifle. Barely visible in the butt stock is Mills’ preferred fancy “feather” graining in the walnut wood, which undoubtedly contributed to an eventual break in the wrist area. The front side of the rifle survived in better condition than the back side, which apparently laid face down for years, allowing moisture/humidity to rust its iron surfaces. An auction tag hangs off the guard. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/bede7d23-15be-4992-a943-999459df0ce8/blog-MIlls+rear+half+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Fine Benjamin Mills Rifle in Rough, Neglected Condition © Figure No.2: The back of the Mills rifle has a small area of wood loss ahead of the breech, along with many small dings and scratches in the stock. A break in the wrist is visible here above the guard’s rear spur, with a smaller crack about an inch ahead of it. Not visible here are the rust spots on the back side of the barrel from exposure to moisture or humidity for an extended time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/31df1123-a1f0-46c2-9922-0a1ecfe6811f/Mills+5-3c+target+full2XXX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Fine Benjamin Mills Rifle in Rough, Neglected Condition © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: This fine Mills target rifle displays his best work, although all of his work was well above average. Mills always used patent breeches and preferred back-action locks on his best rifles. This rifle has retained its original rear peep and front globe sights along with its false muzzle that blocks the sighting plain when in place. The lack of open [hunting] sights suggests the gun was made specifically for target shooting, and the tang’s downward slope indicates a date of about 1860. Note the attractive “curly” walnut wood in the butt, fine wrist checkering, and separate forestock grip section, a rare detail on Mills’ rifles. Photo courtesy T. Prince at College Hill Arsenal, Nashville, TN. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/525fccc4-d653-4b18-a764-46dc865a13bf/Mills+5-2c+full+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Fine Benjamin Mills Rifle in Rough, Neglected Condition © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: This gun provides a good example of Mills’ range of firearms with its superposed rifle and shotgun barrels. Mills used longer New York style ramrod pipes/catchers at the rear of his stacked barrels. The gun has survived in remarkable condition and has a rare double-cavity patch/wad box in the butt with thin sheet silver overlaid on the lids. Mills’ preference for highly figured walnut stocks is seen here with a feather grained pattern visible around the cap/wad box in the butt. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f924f04b-5331-47ba-8bd4-d83fb8f6b4f8/blog-Mills+barrel+signature.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Fine Benjamin Mills Rifle in Rough, Neglected Condition © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The barrel stamp on the auction rifle is Mills’ typical two-line stamp with his name and location. In this case, the “Harrodsburg KY” was double stamped leaving a shadow behind it. The spotty rust plaguing much of the barrel is visible in this view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f5e7bfc1-f1ba-4d38-95a9-3308c9640bfa/blog-Mills+lock+name+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Fine Benjamin Mills Rifle in Rough, Neglected Condition © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: Mills consistently stamped his locks in addition to his barrels. Locks often had just his name as on the auction gun, but at times his “Harrodsburg KY” was also present. A small crack is visible below the lock with a full wrist break at the lock’s tail screw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3c67fb71-026d-419c-9f1c-1202ae2118d6/blog-Mills+lock+tang+guard+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Fine Benjamin Mills Rifle in Rough, Neglected Condition © Figure No.7: This photo shows the auction gun’s lock and wrist area with a stock break running almost perpendicular across the wrist at the tail of the back-action lock. The break occurred at the lock’s tail screw, which may have been a '“stress riser” leading to the break in that area. The highly figured wood in the wrist area with an almost burl-like grain snapped when the gun took a hard hit. The active wood grain can be seen continuing past the percussion snail and into the forestock. Mills’ slotted nut holding the hammer on the tumbler shaft was another detail he learned in New York and continued to use in Kentucky. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/a-new-lexington-rifle-with-several-unique-features- monthly 0.5 2026-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3a3f6c8e-7308-4da6-ae7e-cb90dbe63992/KY-Graham+full+length.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A New Lexington Rifle with Several Unique Features © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The new rifle has the iconic “captured lid” Lexington cast brass patchbox and long barrel common to Kentucky guns. However, several details suggest the gun was made well outside of Lexington. The guard has the expected two flats on its outer surfaces but lacks the heavy front post and forward sloping bow of guns made in or near Lexington. The bow’s rounded guard and straight rear spur suggest the gunsmith had Virginia roots. Barrel: 46 inches long with .38 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photos by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/52a3a2bb-b456-46d2-a3a0-712cb83551ad/KY-Graham+front+halfXX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A New Lexington Rifle with Several Unique Features © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The Lexington patchbox has a fully captured lid, with a strip of surround between the lid’s open end and the butt plate. However, there is no border engraving on the patchbox, and the guard has a Virginia influence with its rounded bow and straight spur. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/212432c5-a5a2-4139-8305-1eb5d4c00236/KY-Graham+back+halfXX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A New Lexington Rifle with Several Unique Features © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The cheekpiece has Lexington’s single mold line across its base but lacks the short molding lines below the cheek with “squiggly” ends. The large silver moon is common to Lexington guns, but the undersized, oddly shaped cheek star is unique to Kentucky guns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d37e3101-ecf7-4462-995c-d480b1652b44/KY-Graham+butt+inlays.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A New Lexington Rifle with Several Unique Features © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The coin silver inlay work on the new rifle is limited but significant. The large silver moon was used on many pre-War of 1812 Lexington guns, while the small silver cheek star is oddly shaped and the only example of that style known on a Kentucky gun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/81826dbc-41a3-4471-92a5-187751c4b68a/KY-Graham+side+plate+triggers.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A New Lexington Rifle with Several Unique Features © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The lock bolt plate opposite the lock is engraved with a dotted border with elongated dots that appear connected, and emerging rays decorate the lock bolt locations. The side-plate has traditional Lexington “horns” and a less common “bottle-shaped” tail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e1573da4-685b-4e68-95d1-6585a3c23fe1/KY-Graham+muzzle+stars2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A New Lexington Rifle with Several Unique Features © - Figure No.6: The new rifle’s muzzle has a ring of small stars punched around the bore, a somewhat common muzzle decoration used in Kentucky as well as other states. The barrel’s 7-groove rifling is visible in this view, but what is not visible is the slight swamp at the barrel’s breech and muzzle. Many Lexington School guns made in or near Lexington had straight barrels without flared/swamped breeches and muzzles, but the Virginia influences in this rifle led gave it a swamped barrel. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/identifying-an-unknown-unsigned-unseen-rifle-from-kentucky- monthly 0.5 2026-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/6a7ea14a-847a-4e6e-ae44-d4c9004c8cec/KY+Allen+Co+Heath+full.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Daniel Heath Rifle Finally Appears © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The auction rifle has very specific Kentucky details in its triangular butt, relatively long barrel for a late 1860s percussion gun, 2-screw tang, and tight side-facings around the lock. But it also has details that indicated a specific county in Kentucky and a specific gun shop that made similar rifles. Barrel: 39-1/2 inches long, .40 caliber bore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/493a8d6e-c826-4fbf-96f2-1b3535f73963/KY+Heath+Allen+Co+full+back.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Daniel Heath Rifle Finally Appears © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The back side of the unknown rifle shows its unique, “clunky” cheekpiece, course workmanship, and iron mounts. More importantly, it shows the spatial gaps between its rear pipe and nose cap, and rear pipe and rear sight that help locate it. Also visible is its tall rear sight and iron mountings, all details that help determine its place of origin and most probably maker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/6190a84c-9739-48e9-a613-504e8f8c8a4b/KY+Allen+Co+Heath+pipe+rear+sight.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Daniel Heath Rifle Finally Appears © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The forestock on the new rifle is an important key to its identification. The nose cap sits about 6 inches past the rear pipe while the rear sight sits about 5 inches behind it. The longer than normal spacings between the rear pipe and both the nose cap and rear sight are details specific to the Heath rifles from Allen County, Kentucky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/71708da1-16f3-4d1b-8330-bb147bbd5561/KY+Allen+Co+Heath+iron+mounts.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Daniel Heath Rifle Finally Appears © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The back side of the new rifle shows its iron mounts with a hand-forged butt plate. The cheekpiece has a “clunky” shape, the side-facings lacks a small step-down in its nose, and a long 2-screw tang [hard to see] runs down wrist. The poor butt plate mounting, slightly rough stock, and odd cheekpiece show the hand of a lesser skilled gunsmith. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c2de4798-f2f9-4459-8858-bf5eb587a32e/Heath+John+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Daniel Heath Rifle Finally Appears © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: This fine Heath rifle was built by John Marshall Heath and signed in large block letters as “J. M. H.” The rifle illustrates the Heath’s distinctive arrangement of rear sight, rear ramrod pipe, and nose cap. There is more space between the rear pipe and nose cap than on most circa 1860s half-stocked rifles, and the rear sight sits farther behind the rear sight than on most period rifles. The rear sight is in its original position on the full-length original barrel. Note the Heaths’ three pipes and tight side facings around the lock plate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/bdf0ec83-7596-443f-a341-3c996b361f87/KY+Allen+Co+Heath+Wm+cheek+XXX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Daniel Heath Rifle Finally Appears © - Figure No.6: This is the back of a William Heath rifle of about the same vintage and stock architecture as the John Heath rifle above, but with a different style guard. The mountings are brass, the rear side-facing has no “step” on its top edge, and the cheekpiece is heavy or “clunky” looking. However, the gun is well stocked with clean lines and smooth surface, and the butt plate is properly mounted with its top return parallel with the comb line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3f76f3b6-8c6b-41f1-b7b5-8a028f38ec1b/KY+Allen+Co+Heath+pipe+rear+sight.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Daniel Heath Rifle Finally Appears © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: A key to identifying Heath rifles from Kentucky is found in the forestocks, where the rear sight sits well behind the rear pipe, and the nose cap sits well beyond the rear pipe. Most Kentucky guns, as well as others, have the sight over or near the rear pipe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2c418364-480b-493b-bd89-2994d0f8acbb/KY+Allen+Co+Heath+iron+mounts.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Daniel Heath Rifle Finally Appears © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: Despite the yellowish hue to the guard and butt plate, they are made of iron. The side facing outline is not quite perfect, the butt plate is mounted at an angle, and the cheekpiece is large and a bit clunky. Those details suggest the maker had modest skills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/300e1b46-ab1a-4564-ae87-0b0b6f56af5a/KY+Allen+Co+Heath+tang+breech+XX.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Daniel Heath Rifle Finally Appears © Figure No.9: A top view of the Daniel Heath study rifle shows its long, 2-screw tang, current rear sight, and an old dovetail for a prior rear sight when the barrel was on an earlier gun. The reuse of an earlier gunsmith’s barrel may have been the reason this barrel was not signed by Daniel Heath. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/john-c-fremont-and-his-dickson-amp-gilmore-rifles-revisited monthly 0.5 2026-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/0945da73-1e25-4c94-9a8f-afb05b998f17/Dickson+Fremont+full+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Revisiting Fremont and his Dickson &amp; Gilmore Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.1a: This Dickson & Gilmore half-stocked rifle with patent breech is similar to rifles purchased by John Fremont for his 1845 expedition to the Rockies. The rifles were double-keyed in the forestock with a long 2-screw tang for strength and durability. Moses Dickson preferred back-action locks and patent breeches for his better rifles, similar to this rifle. The lock is stamped “M. Dickson.” While hard to see, the lock’s tumbler shaft uses a tapered pin to hold the hammer on the shaft. Barrel: 40-1/2 inches, .42 caliber bore. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9e842502-ec60-4fac-87bb-1a0435665b9d/Dickson+Fremont+rear+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Revisiting Fremont and his Dickson &amp; Gilmore Rifles © Figure No.1b: The back of this 1840s brass mounted Dickson & Gilmore rifle has a conventional cheekpiece with single molding line, suggesting an earlier rifle, while its guard has a slightly flattened bow that suggests a later rifle. These details show the difficulty in accurately dating 1840s rifles from the Dickson & Gilmore shop when a range of details were used interchangeably. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2c79158e-8a6e-4b65-bf23-1e17b3edf7c0/Dickson+Gilmore+full-XXX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Revisiting Fremont and his Dickson &amp; Gilmore Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.2a: This iron mounted Dickson & Gilmore rifle is similar to the brass mounted rifle with it is double-keyed forestock, cast nose cap, and double spurred guard. When new, it had a patent breech. The fine curly maple stock has a bottom-hinged Dickson & Gilmore patchbox with engraved lid. The Louisville style guard has a “square shoulder” above its rear spur and Louisville triggers with a small “C” scroll behind the front trigger. This rifle differs from the brass mounted rifle with its patchbox and front action lock. Barrel: 37-1/4 inches with .36 caliber bore. Author’s collection, all photos by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/41034ef2-d76e-44d2-91a9-1ea36c33dfb8/Dickson+Gilmore+rear+half+XXX-2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Revisiting Fremont and his Dickson &amp; Gilmore Rifles © Figure No.2b: The back of the iron mounted Dickson & Gilmore rifle has their mid-to-late 1840s heavily molded oval cheekpiece. Other than at barrel wedges, Dickson & Gilmore rifles used few inlays and rarely a cheek inlay. Their sharply defined, triangular butt is evident in this view, along with their use of flatter butt plates than most other gunsmiths in the 1840s. Note the small, simple lock bolt washer that is square with its top corner clipped off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/92869a1d-0072-423d-bb9e-e873c3ef169e/Dickson+signature+2.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Revisiting Fremont and his Dickson &amp; Gilmore Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The barrel signature is deeply stamped on the iron mounted Dickson & Gilmore rifle, followed by their location “Louisville, KY.” On this rifle, the signature was placed closer to the rear sight that normal, and the barrel has been re-browned a bit too dark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/14ee3e75-5608-4a31-bafa-dbc80b9a7b82/Dickson+lock+name.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Revisiting Fremont and his Dickson &amp; Gilmore Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: This view of the gun’s original percussion lock shows its worn “M. Dickson” stamp, and more importantly, the rectangular cutout for its original patent breech that was later replaced with a percussion side drum/lug with Kentucky style square shank on the end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/992d57b8-5e15-45a3-8a02-b982de9ebba1/Dickson+tang2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Revisiting Fremont and his Dickson &amp; Gilmore Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: Pre-1850 Dickson & Gilmore rifles had long 2-screw, straight-sided tangs like this one, while later rifles had tangs that pinched in at the middle creating a narrower tail section. In the late 1840s, both style tangs were used during the transition period. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/378147a2-fb1b-4235-a821-ddbd5c5d5ee4/Dickson+patchbox.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Revisiting Fremont and his Dickson &amp; Gilmore Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: A significant detail on the iron mounted Dickson & Gilmore rifle is its small, bottom-hinged iron patchbox. These patchboxes varied slightly in size and depth of curves in their edges, but they always looked about the same with similar engraved patterns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3a62ce33-a62d-4fe9-bc33-124bded341c2/Dickson+toe+plate.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Revisiting Fremont and his Dickson &amp; Gilmore Rifles © - Figure No.7: The toe plate on Dickson & Gilmore’s iron mounted rifle is engraved in a pattern matching the engraving on the patchbox lid. The screw heads are also neatly engraved along with the screw heads in the guard’s front and rear extensions. Dickson & Gilmore did not make Kentucky’s fanciest guns, but they paid attention to details and consistently made high-quality guns that were among the best in Kentucky. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/sometimes-you-just-have-to-buy-a-junk-rifle- monthly 0.5 2026-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/277acf38-e945-4015-8c6d-b57b39080f0a/junk+Louisville+full+front.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Sometimes You Just Have to Buy a Junk Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This half-stocked Louisville rifle dates to about 1870 when guns were more generic in appearance with few specific details to identify the maker. While stocked in decent curly maple, the gun lacks molding lines and both wrist and wedge inlays. The position of the rear sight behind the nose cap suggests the barrel was shortened, but it is original length based on the well-centered barrel signature between rear sight and breech, and even ramrod pipe spacing. Barrel: 39-7/8 inches long, .34 caliber bore, 6-groove rifling. Author’s collection, photos by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/474d3924-655f-4646-b9c3-bd9bd542eb4d/junk+Louisville+rear+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Sometimes You Just Have to Buy a Junk Rifle © Figure No.2: The back of the Louisville half-stocked rifle has no cheekpiece and a simple lock bolt washer, both later details. The butt plate’s excessively extended heel is reminiscent of work by Louisville gunsmith Gustave Baurmann. Note the slight “fish belly” in the lower butt line, rarely seen on Louisville rifles, and the large “buckhorn” style rear sight. Side-facings are clean without a small step in the top edge of the nose section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f9890021-8254-4258-9448-ccd48376c70f/junk+Louisville+signature.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Sometimes You Just Have to Buy a Junk Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The most important detail on the otherwise late, generic half-stocked rifle was its previously unknown barrel stamp, “Harvey, Girdler & Co. / Louisville KY.” The author had never seen that name on a Kentucky gun before. The name identified the Louisville hardware store that sold the rifle, rather than the local gunsmith who made the rifle for the store. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7bd8dcd1-157f-4483-b37a-f4c2ec36bd50/junk++Louisville+tang.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Sometimes You Just Have to Buy a Junk Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The “Harvey, Gridler & Co.” rifle has a late Louisville style tang with tapered tip and a single tang bolt. Heavy amateur refinishing of the rifle has left the tang and barrel scrubbed with little original color remaining. But despite damage, missing parts, and poor refinishing, the gun structurally remains original. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/63b0ae6b-c829-417e-ac60-351aed85fc4a/junk+Louisville+lock.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Sometimes You Just Have to Buy a Junk Rifle © Figure No.5: The rifle’s original “Goulcher” percussion lock with roller engraving remains on the gun. Most Kentucky percussion drums, or side lugs, are filed either square on the ends or with two opposed flats for easier mounting and/or removal. A poorly glued crack at the nose of the lock has pushed the original splinter upward and away from the lock. While appearing like a replacement splice, it is simply a poorly replaced piece of original wood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/5948b1e5-15ba-41d7-b6a8-0b883a1a8b57/junk+Louisville+full+rear.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Sometimes You Just Have to Buy a Junk Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: The back side of the late Louisville rifle has no cheekpiece, uses three ramrod pipes [outer pipe missing] typical of Louisville guns, and has a later style cast pewter nose cap. The barrel’s large diameter [across the flats] makes the gun rather muzzle-heavy for a half-stock. While many Louisville guards had “double spurs” in the 1840s and 1850s, the guard on this lower cost, later gun has only a single rear spur. In addition, the front “hair” trigger lacks the usual small Louisville decorative “C” scroll on its back edge, and the lock bolt washer is simple with a protruding tab at the bottom to prevent turning when the bolt was being removed or reinstalled. A replacement ramrod is badly broken with the end missing. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/golden-mountain-rifles-the-10th-school-of-kentucky-gunmaking monthly 0.5 2026-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/20a35ad5-f9d0-4763-9fdc-f4aa14fd8bf6/MT%237-2c+Shell+full+length+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Golden Mountain Rifles - the 10th School of Kentucky Gunmaking © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This Kentucky mountain rifle by John Shell is signed “No 35 1870 J S $16” on the barrel. Due to Shell’s late-in-life notoriety for claiming to be the oldest living man in the world, he became the best-known Mountain Rifle School gunsmith in Kentucky. The rifle has hammer marks on the barrel, a two-piece iron butt plate nailed on the stock, and a simple iron guard screwed to the stock. Ramrod pipes and nose cap are brass. The gun is typical of many Kentucky mountain rifles in its simplicity with walnut stock, iron mountings, hand-made lock, and no inlays or molding lines. In the hill country, it was a basic tool for hunting and protecting of the homestead. Barrel: 46-5/16 inches with .36 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d37eccef-762a-468f-8f1e-285a214e4767/MT%237-5c+PWilson+silver+full2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Golden Mountain Rifles - the 10th School of Kentucky Gunmaking © - Make it stand out Figure No.2a: Pleasant Wilson of Clay County consistently made fine guns, way above the typical mountain rifle of southeastern Kentucky. Even his plain guns have an elegance in architecture and finish work, setting them apart from the “working rifles” of most hill country gunsmiths. This is one of his best rifles with great architecture, graduated ramrod spacing, German silver inlays, and his own design of a small, side opening iron patchbox that matches his other iron mountings. Barrel: 46 inches with .36 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3e6b7ca0-ef23-4862-9d03-df174ca44d95/MT%237-5b+PWilson+silver+back+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Golden Mountain Rifles - the 10th School of Kentucky Gunmaking © Figure No.2b: The back of Pleasant Wilson’s fine mountain rifle displays even more German silver than the front side. His cheekpiece has two molding lines, his oval lock bolt washer has an off-center bolt location, and his guard is unique without a front extension where the tang bolt threads into the front of the bow. Wilson’s engraving was limited to wiggle-engraved borders and simple arc cut borders. The round butt inlay has a federal eagle done completely in wiggle engraving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c857ab97-6de2-4456-946f-96d608485085/MT%237-6c+PWilson+black+full2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Golden Mountain Rifles - the 10th School of Kentucky Gunmaking © - Make it stand out Figure No.3a: This rifle, in the author’s opinion, is the finest stocked rifle made in Kentucky. Stocking is perfection with its fine architecture, curly maple wood enhanced with graduated ramrod pipes, and a long, lightly swamped barrel. The guard has Wilson’s unique front attachment by the tang bolt, and his “trademark” small side-opening patchbox that blends with the other iron mountings. The original finish has darkened with age, making the wood’s fine curl hard to see. Barrel: 46-1/2 inches, .32 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1deae491-e0ea-4e05-a40c-72225195b332/Mt%237-6b+PWilson+black+rear2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Golden Mountain Rifles - the 10th School of Kentucky Gunmaking © Figure No.3b: The back of Pleasant Wilson’s “dark” rifle exhibits sharp, clean lines with his typical cheekpiece with two incised lines. The lock bolt washer is original with its off-center bolt hole. Other than the side-opening patchbox, the rifle lacks embellishments, but its clean stocking with elegant lines, unmolested finish, and well-shaped and finished iron furniture make it one of Kentucky’s finest mountain rifles… if not the finest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/07942d5a-f518-4551-8965-1cd5549f768e/MT%237-3c+Bull+full+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Golden Mountain Rifles - the 10th School of Kentucky Gunmaking © - Make it stand out Figure No.4a: This is the only signed “John Bull” rifle known from Kentucky, and it exhibits the best of mountain rifle gunmaking. Bull was from North Carolina, served in the Revolutionary War, and used his bounty land warrants at Bull’s Gap in northeastern Tennessee in 1796, where he built a gun shop. In 1806 he left the shop in charge of his nephews [whom he trained] John Valentine Bull and Elisha Bull and moved north into Knox County, Kentucky. The author has never seen an earlier signed John Bull rifle, despite this gun dating to about 1830. The gun has an unexpected “Lancaster” style patchbox with daisy finial and Tennessee style guard made from three brazed pieces of brass rather than forged iron. Author’s collection, photos by T. Prince. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9f82fd15-0993-40b9-9e18-00e233425864/MT%237-3b+Bull+rear2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Golden Mountain Rifles - the 10th School of Kentucky Gunmaking © - Figure No.4b: Figure No.4b: The back of John Bull’s rifle has his typical “inverted T” lock bolt washer with an oval front bolt washer. Mountings copy iron Tennessee furniture but are made of brass. Note Bull’s cheek inlay and vent pic holder. Barrel: 46-1/2 inches with .42 caliber bore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/57fcf5c2-ca1b-45eb-a399-6c97cf6a69e1/MT%237-3f+Bull+comb+tang2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Golden Mountain Rifles - the 10th School of Kentucky Gunmaking © - Figure No.4c: Figure No.4c: The Bull rifle has a long, Tennessee style tang that extends back over the comb to the butt plate. This same tang was used by local gunsmith William Hall, supporting the assumption he apprenticed to John Bull in Knox County in the 1810-1816 period. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9c6145f5-01f9-4bfc-84bf-028ff1d28c2f/MT+Hall+brass+front+half2XX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Golden Mountain Rifles - the 10th School of Kentucky Gunmaking © - Make it stand out Figure No.5a: This image shows William Hall’s Floyd County, Kentucky, rifle with the same architecture, guard shape, brass furniture, and Lancaster style patchbox with daisy finial used by John Bull. [2] The gun was made in 1835 as a wedding gift, which documents its date. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3cc87f87-87ff-49df-aee7-b53561708088/Mt+Hall+brass+box+rear.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Golden Mountain Rifles - the 10th School of Kentucky Gunmaking © - Make it stand out Figure No.5b: William Hall’s early rifles closely followed the work of the older John Bull, as the stock architecture, lock bolt washers, guard, cheekpiece, and inlay work show, supporting the idea that Hall was apprenticed to Bull. Several known Hall rifles are plain with simpler stocking, but he could make a fine rifle when the need arose, such as this one made for his son-in-law, John Bates, as a wedding gift in 1835. The gun remains with descendants of John Bates as a family heirloom, despite losing its percussion hammer. Barrel Specs: unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8fae171b-319a-4000-979f-f174b07cd750/MT+Hall+iron+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Golden Mountain Rifles - the 10th School of Kentucky Gunmaking © - Make it stand out Figure No.6a: This iron mounted rifle with a rare captured-lid patchbox is signed “W H” in William Hall’s usual block-letter barrel signature. The gun has Hall’s typical stock architecture and iron furniture with a Tennessee style tang and guard, but it is decorated with small silver forestock inlays that suggest the owner was financially well off… at least by Appalachian standards. The author had never seen this “bullet” style captured lid patchbox on a Kentucky gun before the appearance of this rifle. Barrel: 40-1/2 inches with .32 caliber bore. Courtesy R. Pierce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/be4b3912-9b5f-40f2-aef2-55871dddb889/MT+Hall+iron+rear+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Golden Mountain Rifles - the 10th School of Kentucky Gunmaking © Figure No.6b: The back of the William Hall rifle with iron mountings and a captured lid patchbox is similar to his other rifles, with two molding lines on the cheekpiece, a diamond-shaped cheek inlay, and typical “inverted T” lock bolt washer, and a smaller, oval front bolt “washer” only for decoration on an original single bolt percussion rifle. Rifles by both Hall and Bull have strongly extended toes that changed little over the years, making it an unreliable dating indicator. Courtesy R. Pierce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/b3d53b52-0468-4d30-9c35-0162843c5821/KY-Mt+rifle+Wm+Hall+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Golden Mountain Rifles - the 10th School of Kentucky Gunmaking © - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/73f7de48-6112-4c73-8ad7-2a4bfca3ee4e/KY-Mt+rifle+Wm+Hall+1.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Golden Mountain Rifles - the 10th School of Kentucky Gunmaking © - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/one-of-the-authors-favorite-pre-war-of-1812-francis-tansel-powder-horns monthly 0.5 2025-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a5194ef5-b13b-4a36-9c20-00daa7621a3f/AA+Tansel+front.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional 1809 Francis Tansel Powder Horn © Figure No.1: The front side of the Fransis (sic) Tansel horn has his typical War of 1812 federal eagle in a round cartouche with “E Pluribus Unum” arced over his head. There are seven animals “caged” in round cartouches, with three deer, a bobcat, and a turkey running around loose on the horn. Dimensions: Outside curve 15 inches, inside curve 11-1/8 inches, horn diameter at base 2-15/16 inches. Author’s collection, photos by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a2f4bd66-b68e-49c9-9df4-539fbe36099a/AA+Tansel+back.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional 1809 Francis Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The back of the “1809” Tansel powder horn has Francis’ typical Indian figure with bow and arrow shooting at a deer. On the butt end are two more deer and a wild turkey. Note the fine condition of the horn with its original spout tip, horn button in the plug for strap attachment, and narrow horn ring behind the plug that hides the plug nails. Both the horn button and the thin horn ring hiding the nails are often broken or missing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9480f4c1-9265-410c-9560-0d835bc52d3b/AA+Tansel+V+cut.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional 1809 Francis Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The “Thumb Nail” horn’s name comes from the small tab in the intersection of the top “V” of the Tansel fish-mouth about the size and shape of a thumb nail. The unique tab adds interest to the horn, in addition to terminating the fish-mouth before it runs too deeply into the horn’s body and restricts the carving surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/67b18fd3-8749-4600-922b-7ca04920ceb4/AA+Tansel+eagle.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional 1809 Francis Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: Francis Tansel’s War of 1812 eagle, typical of eagles on horns used just before and during the War of 1812, was taken from the head of a Kentucky Militia officer’s commission/discharge document. While unproven, the presence of this style eagle on a Tansel horn may indicate the owner served in the Kentucky militia during the War of 1812. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/dd388499-6bb0-4bb9-84b1-a5892fecbb5e/AA+Tansel+Indian+deer.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional 1809 Francis Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No. 5: The majority of Francis Tansel powder horns made before 1812 have his traditional scene of an Indian shooting a deer with bow and arrow. Oddly, most horns have this same arrangement with the deer at a right angle to the hunter. Note the tiny pin prick dots around the Indian and his bow, suggesting Francis transferred pattens to his work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/995a1a21-eae2-48d1-b041-033dc1d4e211/AA+Tansel+FT+1809.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional 1809 Francis Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: An important detail on the powder horn is the small, circular cartouche near the butt plug where Francis Tansel signed and dated his work. He spelled his first name as “Fransis” on this horn, but later signed horns and surviving civil records spelled his first name as “Frances.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/dcaa98bd-2763-404a-9ff3-8441fe4b4955/AA+Tansel+button+ring.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional 1809 Francis Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: This close-up view of the butt plug shows the horn button in its nose for strap attachment and the thin horn ring behind the butt plug that hides the plug pins/nails. Those two items are often missing, and even on this better than average horn, the beginning of a crack can be seen on the horn ring running with its directional grain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ad4b6de8-ac3e-4ce4-a708-d89fcffe9211/AA+Tansel+swan.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional 1809 Francis Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: Another interesting and often repeated figure on Francis Tansel’s Pre-War of 1812 horns is his swan figure. At times these swans are not labeled, but this one is clearly labeled as “A Swan” in a mixture of upper- and lower-case letters. A deer and turkey are just below the swan’s front foot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c18da364-20c4-4228-9916-785e7a698254/AA+Tansel+two+horns.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional 1809 Francis Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.9: For those who would like to see another pre-War of 1812 powder horn by Francis Tansel, a slightly smaller example is shown below the 1809 study horn. Both horns have a horn button in the plug’s nose for strap attachment, and a horn ring behind the plug to hide/protect the plug nails. Francis usually carved his eagles at this time in an upright position when the horn was carried, but the bottom horn’s eagle appears sideways when carried… probably the result of rushing the layout a bit. Also significant is the more elaborate spout on the earlier top horn, while the lower horn has an early example of the simpler Tansel “barrel style” strap retaining ring, heavily used years later by his third son Timothy. The top horn is dated “1809,” while the bottom horn has an estimated date of 1811 based on significant known dates and events in the life of its owner. Author’s collection, photo by author. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/another-tansel-powder-horn-loses-its-original-bag-and-measure monthly 0.5 2025-12-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/5168f8dc-d947-445f-8bfa-b224e8aa4888/Lion+Tansel+with+bag.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Another Tansel Powder Horn Loses its Original Bag © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This image shows the Tansel powder horn with its original outfit: full-stock rifle, hunting bag, and turned bone powder measure offered for sale by Michael Simens’ Historical Antiques. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/988cba60-df76-400f-9892-cbf775cc42a2/Lion+Tansel+close-up+gun+bag+measure.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Another Tansel Powder Horn Loses its Original Bag © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: Another view of the Tansel powder horn and Tansel-style turned bone powder measure was posted by Michael Simens Historical Antiques when available for purchase about ten years ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/b1c8ff26-724f-492a-a69d-67121d946d42/Lion+Tansel+bag+-+lion.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Another Tansel Powder Horn Loses its Original Bag © - Figure No.3: The Michael Simens Tansel powder horn was noteworthy for its fierce looking lion just below the federal eagle, with an Indian figure behind the lion with a bow in one hand and arrow in the other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/fcef6884-6c0b-4d76-bcfb-7116760b8e9d/Lion+horn-X+lion.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Another Tansel Powder Horn Loses its Original Bag © - Figure No.4: This is the “fierce” lion on one of the author’s many Tansel powder horns that prompted him to look through his Tansel records to see where he had seen it in before. He found an old Michael Simens Historical Antiques advertisement from years earlier that showed the same horn with its rifle, bag, and powder measure when it was for sale on his website. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9ba67528-9312-44b0-8edc-fe4d136873de/Lion+horn-X+full+front.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Another Tansel Powder Horn Loses its Original Bag © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The front side of the author’s Tansel horn with the “fierce” lion has many standard Tansel figures including its fish-mouth throat, large federal eagle with “E Pluribus Unum” banner in its beak, two Tansel “S” scrolls, and scalloped borders on either end. The clean notch in the fish-mouth and spout’s ball-type strap retaining ring suggest Stark Tansel made the horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/23c2caae-e3a4-46d2-a335-9fa24b66564b/Lion+horn-Xx+full+rear.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Another Tansel Powder Horn Loses its Original Bag © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The back side of the Tansel powder horn shows years of use and wear, with parts of the scalloped borders, dog, and two deer being obliterated. The cleanly cut “V” in the fish-mouth with engrailment around its edges suggest the work of either John or Stark Tansel rather than Tim, while the round strap retaining ring suggests Stark was the horn carver. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f9ef2261-2e70-42cb-88f9-01787c84b30a/Lion+horn-X+dog+collar.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Another Tansel Powder Horn Loses its Original Bag © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: This dog figure with its collar, shorter ears, and spindly legs and tail resembles Stark Tansel’s work, as does the extra surface layer of hair along the dog’s back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1a7d20a5-ce9e-4400-a6ee-613056ae8899/Lion+horn-X+Indian+bow.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Another Tansel Powder Horn Loses its Original Bag © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: Just behind the lion is a well-dressed Indian with a bow in one hand and arrow [hard to see] in the other hand, apparently hunting both the lion and two deer on this horn. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/newly-discovered-bardstown-rifle-with-two-partial-signatures- monthly 0.5 2026-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e87119cb-39a5-44d5-b494-ec3fb85ec537/Btown+front+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Newly Discovered Bardstown Rifle with a Secret Signature © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The new rifle has been damaged in several areas, but its Bardstown roots are unmistakable in stock architecture with triangular butt and strong comb, swag & tassel chip carving along the butt plate’s vertical edge, forestock molding terminated with opposed volutes at the rear ramrod pipe, and three ramrod pipes. Stock wood is southern red maple with the expected best curl located in the butt area. Barrel: 40-1/2 inches long [originally 47 inches] with .32 caliber bore and six-groove rifling. Author’s collection, photos by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d97ad687-65a8-458a-852e-2e2ccfb7b2a4/Btown+rear+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Newly Discovered Bardstown Rifle with a Secret Signature © Figure No.2: The back of the new Bardstown rifle has Jacob Rizer’s chip carved swag & tassel detail along the butt plate’s vertical edge and his “swooped” or curved cheekpiece used on ca. 1835-1838 rifles. The heavily pierced side plate was used by Rizer on his best rifles of the same era. Rizer often used an 8-pointed “hunter’s star’ in his cheekpieces, but the new rifle had a small crescent moon inlay, now missing. The rear sight’s position indicates the barrel was shortened at the breech. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/af9706bc-39d3-40e7-9b5e-46132cf04683/Btown+side+plate.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Newly Discovered Bardstown Rifle with a Secret Signature © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The auction rifle’s elaborate side-plate with six piercings was taken from Rizer’s work. While Rizer’s engraving was more refined, this gunsmith’s engraving was well cut and attractive. This style side plate only occurs on Bardstown rifles related to Rizer’s work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/6d4832b6-c05f-45c9-abc9-c846ce2ed335/Btown+toe+plate.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Newly Discovered Bardstown Rifle with a Secret Signature © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The rifle’s toe plate has eight piercings and matches the fancy side-plate in elaborateness and engraving. The flame finial was used by Rizer on his earlier flintlock guns. The butt’s toe is damaged with a bit of wood loss and the butt plate’s toe bent over. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/44fcc1d2-31d6-4452-8ac0-2275399873f6/Btown+rear+pipe+carvingXX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Newly Discovered Bardstown Rifle with a Secret Signature © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The rifle’s forestock molding is terminated with opposed volutes similar to Rizer’s guns. However, Rizer had an emerging leaf between the volutes, while this rifle has a small arc of short rays. The deep cut separating the grip area from forestock is a new feature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8d4eb977-ccf9-4f8f-8703-0a004a204768/Btown+guard+engraving.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Newly Discovered Bardstown Rifle with a Secret Signature © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The auction rifle’s guard has the profile of Rizer’s ca. 1835-1838 guards, but it has two flats on the outer surface instead of three and lacks Bardstown “dimples” on the front and rear extensions, replaced by engraved details that include Rizer’s dotted borders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1b7d04ed-3282-4104-abad-9dfb61f33871/Btown+tang+dots.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Newly Discovered Bardstown Rifle with a Secret Signature © - Figure No.7: The tang on the new Bardstown rifle is lozenge shaped and more like Weller’s work that Rizer’s straight tang with small thumbnail finial. Two tang screws were used instead of Rizer’s and Weller’s a single tang bolt, but the smaller tail screw might have been added later to keep the tail from rising up. Dotted borders decorate the tang, a detail often used by Rizer. A small, rectangular wrist inlay, now missing, was intended for the owner’s initials. Rizer often used a larger, shield-shaped wrist inlay for the owner’s initial. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/15c1f059-8ddc-4405-85b7-679d5642c363/Btown+name+barrel2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Newly Discovered Bardstown Rifle with a Secret Signature © - Make it stand out Figure No.9: Fortunately, the shortened barrel was cut just ahead of the barrel signature, but it moved the signature to an area that was corroded by percussion cap residue. The author was able to identify capital letters G., B., and T followed by “y” and “l.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/517076fb-d570-404e-8f39-48f335ce8ce4/Btown+name+trigger+plate.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Newly Discovered Bardstown Rifle with a Secret Signature © - Make it stand out Figure No.10: Scratches on the trigger plate turned out to be another signature by the gunsmith, visible when tilted in good light. Here the “G.” is hidden, but the “B.” is visible along with the last name’s “Tyl--” followed by a letter or two hidden under the guard’s grip rail. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/an-intriguing-new-rifle-by-an-unknown-gunsmith-probably-from-kentucky- monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f01d5d0f-f71c-4b1b-a245-ce994737aa72/KY-Grinter+W+N+nameX+-+50+cal.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Intriguing New Rifle with Kentucky Roots by an Unknown Gunsmith © Figure No.1: The auction rifle has a script signature that was presumed to be “W. N. Grinlen” by the auction company. The author read it as W. N. Grinler,” but after exhaustive genealogy searches, he came to the conclusion the gunsmith’s name was “W. N. Grinter.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/708beda5-943c-40ff-9297-b7e5e67355f5/KY-Grinter+W+N+full.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Intriguing New Rifle with Kentucky Roots by an Unknown Gunsmith © - Figure No.2: This view of the Grinter rifle shows its many Kentucky details including slim lines, triangular butt, and the traditional brass nose cap set several inches past the rear ramrod pipe. While hard to see in this photo, the guard has the traditional Lexington School heavy front post with rectangular cross-section, and the front “hair” trigger has a decorative tab on its rear side. Stock wood appears to be typical southern red maple with a bit less pronounced curl than the harder northern sugar maple. Barrel: 47-1/2 inches with smooth .50 caliber bore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c889d3fc-bbbd-41bd-8883-089faaffb126/KY-Grinter+W+N+full+rear.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Intriguing New Rifle with Kentucky Roots by an Unknown Gunsmith © - Figure No.3: The reverse of the Grinter rifle shows its good quality curly maple stock with a Lexington style cheekpiece with single molding line across its base, similar to most other Lexington School guns. An important detail visible in this view is the large, coin silver cheekpiece inlay that is finely engraved with the War of 1812 eagle found on Kentucky military documents and early Francis Tansel powder horns. Barely visible is the rare feature in Kentucky of an octagon-to-round barrel, thick walled and smooth bored, with conventional rifle sights and set triggers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/055ccfa8-9551-472b-b120-d38a55fd9883/KY-Grinter+W+N+lockX.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Intriguing New Rifle with Kentucky Roots by an Unknown Gunsmith © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The rifle’s guard has a heavy front post, and the side-facing is tight around the lock, both central Kentucky details. Author’s Note: The author believes the lock is a replacement and the rifle was originally a percussion gun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1f0b417b-eafb-4e06-be14-e8a9c0fc7cdc/KY-Grinter+W+N+bolt+washerX.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Intriguing New Rifle with Kentucky Roots by an Unknown Gunsmith © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: This view shows the decorative tab on the back of the front “hair” trigger and the single lock bolt that suggests a percussion gun. The lock bolt washer, while well shaped and engraved, may be an enlarged replacement for a smaller and simpler original washer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9c503954-46f8-440a-89cb-2c203ef9cd8f/KY-Grinter+W+N+cheek+inlayY.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Intriguing New Rifle with Kentucky Roots by an Unknown Gunsmith © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The study rifle has a finely engraved eagle in its silver cheek inlay, a close copy of same era cheek inlays by gunsmiths in Scott County, Kentucky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1db89573-cb09-4ea1-8217-dc5d19fae15b/KY-Grinter+Tansel+eagle.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Intriguing New Rifle with Kentucky Roots by an Unknown Gunsmith © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: This eagle on a War of 1812 powder horn by Francis Tansel of Scott County closely relates to eagles on cheekpieces of county gun, despite its turned head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/bcc47562-6d0c-448c-8b55-d655ce75e800/KY-Ginter+Lewis+rifle+eagle.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Intriguing New Rifle with Kentucky Roots by an Unknown Gunsmith © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: This eagle on a silver cheekpiece inlay is on a half-stocked Lewis West rifle of Scott County, Kentucky, that dates to about 1835-1840. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/b5f22541-a5bf-49fb-acfd-497dae68e3c3/KY-Grinter+W+N+rear+pipeX.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Intriguing New Rifle with Kentucky Roots by an Unknown Gunsmith © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: This view shows the Grinter rifle’s barrel transition from octagon to round above the rear ramrod pipe. The rear pipe has a tapered flange rather than the traditional straight flange, but the nose cap sits the traditional several inches past the rear pipe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d48e9ba3-df81-421d-9af8-2c732fb0ace6/KY-Grinter+W+N+muzzzleX.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Intriguing New Rifle with Kentucky Roots by an Unknown Gunsmith © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: This view shows the front rifle sight on the round section of the barrel with smooth bore. A standard rear sight is located above the rear ramrod pipe in the traditional position for most ca. 1835-1840 Kentucky guns, making it a “buck & ball” smooth rifle. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/a-rare-florida-rifle-by-gunsmith-calvin-oak-of-jacksonville monthly 0.5 2025-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/cf76e642-f384-49a1-9c9d-01ff687765f2/FL-Cal+Oak+rifleX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Rare Florida Rifle by Gunsmith Calvin Oak of Jacksonville © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The Calvin Oak rifle is well-made with a checkered wrist, good stock architecture, and German silver hardware. The stock and bore show little wear, probably due to the reduced use of rifles in Florida where hunting and target shooting were not major pastimes as they were in northern states. The adjustable rear sight and later style guard suggest a mid-century date, and Oak’s occupational changes date the rifle to between 1851 and 1856. Barrel: 35 inches long, 7-groove rifling, .50 caliber bore. Author’s collection at time of photography. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/58d04b27-43f2-4563-af67-f3e9bff5f6a1/CalvinOak-1a-front3+view.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Rare Florida Rifle by Gunsmith Calvin Oak of Jacksonville © - Figure No.2: The front of the Calvin Oak rifle shows its walnut stock, German silver mountings, and fancy cap box with acorn finial. The gun is well-made, nicely checkered on the wrist, and has survived in very good condition. Figure No.2: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/db2ddcff-8982-4c35-88ac-718a52485c97/CalvinOak-1b-rear+view2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Rare Florida Rifle by Gunsmith Calvin Oak of Jacksonville © - Figure No.3: The back of the Oak rifle is decorated with a large eagle inlay in the later style oval cheekpiece, and a fancy lock bolt washer with scrolled ends. Oak was an accomplished gunmaker, despite facing limited demand in Jacksonville. Figure No.3: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/02e22173-c12e-449d-b1e7-d30dda45f091/CalvinOak-2XY-signature.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Rare Florida Rifle by Gunsmith Calvin Oak of Jacksonville © - Figure No.4: The barrel on the Oak rifle is clearly stamped with three separate stamps as “C. Oak & Son/Jacksonville/Fla.” leaving no doubt about where the gun was made, and by whom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f5dc6817-31f0-4cc8-8da3-5458a17a3889/CalvinOak-4-portrait.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Rare Florida Rifle by Gunsmith Calvin Oak of Jacksonville © Figure No.5: This image of Calvin Oak shows him in his later years when a wealthy mortician and leading citizen in Jacksonville. His move, which started out as a way to salvage his health, ended up being a highly successful financial and social venture for a man who began his career as a gunsmith. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/80456a5e-dddd-48cf-9df2-2a62997638d6/Cal-Oak-FL-advertisement.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Rare Florida Rifle by Gunsmith Calvin Oak of Jacksonville © Figure No.6: This clipped advertisement for Oak’s gunsmithing services in Jacksonville is dated “Nov. 17” but the year is missing. However, with his occupational changes, the advertisement had to appear between his arrival in1851 in Jacksonville, and 1856 when he went into the mortuary business. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/a-tough-learning-experience-buying-a-rifle-from-photos monthly 0.5 2025-10-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1e36ce74-cec4-479a-9a7f-e90e306c57ad/SniderB-full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Tough Lesson: Buying a Rifle From Photos © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: When buying this Pennsylvania rifle, the author had two full-length pictures to base his decision on. He could see wire ties holding the stock and barrel together, but he could not see the missing barrel wedges, inlays, and stock breaks. He “presumed” the gun was relatively sound and complete, so purchased it from the photos. Barrel: 41 inches long [lost 2 inches at breech], .42 caliber bore, 7-groove rifling. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e132f7c0-e5b0-4595-a419-82b32a2ecfb3/Snider-back+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Tough Lesson: Buying a Rifle From Photos © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The photo of the back of the Pennsylvania riffle had the same hard-to-see damage as the front side, made harder to see by the distraction of attractive incise carving around the cheekpiece. The author got excited when he saw a carved gun show up in Indiana and purchased it based on the two full-length photos. When he got the rifle in-hand later in the day, he was surprised by how much damage he had overlooked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/526b8690-4e8c-4748-979a-ee786f4ddffc/SniderB-patchbox.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Tough Lesson: Buying a Rifle From Photos © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: Despite damage elsewhere, the butt’s patchbox is above average with seven piercings and moderate engraving. Also visible is an interesting carved detail at the wrist just beyond the patchbox’s finial. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ec54eb77-0264-46dd-917d-74b099d59768/SniderB-butt+carving.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Tough Lesson: Buying a Rifle From Photos © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The back of the butt has lost its large crescent moon inlay, but more importantly, it has attractive incise carving behind and in front of the cheekpiece. The wood surface and color are original. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9cc8b2f3-a21d-4bdd-8980-75cc4f5925a2/SniderB-tang.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Tough Lesson: Buying a Rifle From Photos © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The tang area is beautifully decorated with three [now two] brass inlays, all well-shaped and engraved. Their presence suggests the missing forestock inlays were probably also well-engraved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a0dee398-669b-4881-8850-27c5ee0d52c9/SniderB-rear+pipe.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Tough Lesson: Buying a Rifle From Photos © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The forestock is missing multiple slivers of wood on both sides, but still has nice detailing in areas including the rear ramrod pipe. One of several missing forestock inlays and wedges is visible here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/587d8d58-e854-48f8-83ee-985e2cb2c87e/SniderB-lock+guard.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Tough Lesson: Buying a Rifle From Photos © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: The Snider rifle has well-developed side-facings with relief carved “tear drops” at the rear and a similar relieved panel at the front. Note the broken guard; its missing front piece came with the gun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c59d1017-8bf7-47f4-bd50-3a7c4eb7d1ae/SniderB-side+plate.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Tough Lesson: Buying a Rifle From Photos © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: A typical two-bolt eastern Pennsylvania side plate decorates the rear side-facing of the Snider rifle. Small, coin silver inlays are located on each side of the wrist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/92e45b95-6348-475c-9044-8ffefebe5c50/SniderB-name.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Tough Lesson: Buying a Rifle From Photos © - Make it stand out Figure No.9: The gunmaker signed the rifle’s barrel with “L. Snider” and has been identified by the descendants of the original owner as Leonard Snider of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1496b2ab-e1f0-4391-aa39-4f28c986392a/SniderB-toe+plate.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Tough Lesson: Buying a Rifle From Photos © - Make it stand out Figure No.10: The rifle’s toe plate is damaged, but its engraved borders and central details can still be seen. Just to the right and not seen in this picture are a vent pick hole and several small silver inlays along the toe. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/sometimes-less-is-more-the-mayberry-family-rifle-of-trigg-county monthly 0.5 2025-10-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e4a452a6-e61a-4f3d-8b57-b201f70c4134/Mayberry+full-3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Sometimes Less is More, the Mayberry Family Rifle of Trigg County © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The Mayberry family rifle from Trigg County, Kentucky, is heavily worn and damaged but exhibits incise butt carving not seen on western Kentucky guns. Iron mountings are thin and well-made despite their rusted surfaces. Damage includes substantial wood loss to the forestock, frozen double-set triggers, and missing ramrod pipes and nose cap. Barrel: 45 inches long with .32 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photos by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ac6f79c5-0da2-4620-b2bb-65921a47d985/Mayberry+rear+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Sometimes Less is More, the Mayberry Family Rifle of Trigg County © Figure No.2: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e27310f8-46fc-4f4b-8e75-b4480fe3bd25/Mayberry+lock+triggers-2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Sometimes Less is More, the Mayberry Family Rifle of Trigg County © Figure No.3: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/97bf0387-19e8-4f90-bb28-17aa73199d57/Mayaberry+tang-1.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Sometimes Less is More, the Mayberry Family Rifle of Trigg County © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The tang is a bit rough, perhaps from being removed many times as its enlarged mortise suggests. The tang’s tail screw and lock bolt have been replaced with a modern screw and bolt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/14a53943-2d57-4e65-9303-1e6d7dbe528a/Mayberry+toe+plate-2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Sometimes Less is More, the Mayberry Family Rifle of Trigg County © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The toe plate appears to be brass, but closer examination shows an iron plate with brass-like surface color. The “thumb nail” finial matches the finials on the guard’s front and rear extensions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2dc0eca7-96ad-4870-90e2-2f379c0b33eb/Mayberry+guard+bottom.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Sometimes Less is More, the Mayberry Family Rifle of Trigg County © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The iron guard is well-made and almost delicate in its thinness, giving it an elegant look with its small finials. Small [replaced] wood screws attach the guard, rather than pins in the stock wood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/6f4b4306-d60d-4c00-87ae-c9b81c3a6925/Mayberry+rear+pipe-3a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Sometimes Less is More, the Mayberry Family Rifle of Trigg County © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: This view shows the extensive wood loss to the forestock with large slivers missing on both sides. Double-line forestock molding is terminated above the missing rear pipe with a shallow serpentine line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9461de4d-8043-446a-8741-47b82c511d79/Mayberry+front+butt-2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Sometimes Less is More, the Mayberry Family Rifle of Trigg County © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: The stock is dark from years of oiling and handling, making the carving hard to see. There is a cross-hatched crescent moon and a large reclining “S” figure, perhaps an initial of the carver or owner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/fd1f0d51-4381-4792-aa6f-2fa6c87e966f/Mayberry+rear+butt-1.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Sometimes Less is More, the Mayberry Family Rifle of Trigg County © - Make it stand out Figure No.9: The back of the butt is carved with incised arcs and lines before and after the cheekpiece, and an incised circle with six-pointed star in the cheekpiece that mimics eastern cheek inlays. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/an-exceptional-bardstown-rifle-by-benjamin-a-davenport monthly 0.5 2025-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c6e88e44-fd92-4000-96b1-2a53b497e726/Davenport+full-3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Exciting New Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin A. Davenport © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: Benjamin A. Davenport was trained by Bardstown gunsmith David Weller and worked at Lebanon in Marion County east of Nelson County and Bardstown. This is his earliest known rifle circa 1832 to 1835. The patchbox is not a recognized Bardstown style, but the rest of the gun including its stocking, mountings, and engraving follow Bardstown patterns. Barrel: 44-1/4 inches with .32 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photo by Author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/4395d263-12f4-46f2-b657-936d21072dcf/Davenport+B%26W+fullXX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Exciting New Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin A. Davenport © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: This “B. & W. Davenport” rifle dates several years later than the study rifle, when Davenport had a journeyman gunsmith in his shop. The gun lacks molding lines and inlays. The double spurred guard and use of barrel pins instead of wedges, with barrel pin locations moved away from the traditional Bardstown wedge locations, supports an 1840s date. Barrel: 45-3/4 inches with .36 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photo by Author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8d7fb535-ac02-45f5-a089-39ce626f1c89/Davenport+name-2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Exciting New Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin A. Davenport © Figure No.3: This ca. 1834 signature on Davenport’s earlier rifle is engraved in large, readable script with dotted borders around the name and flourishes at either end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ccc4a9d6-2faf-42dc-b7cc-afd0bac5ba1f/Davenport+B%26W+name-2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Exciting New Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin A. Davenport © Figure No.4: This joint Davenport signature is on the plainer rifle made in the early 1840s. The partner is thought to be William Davenport, a younger cousin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/cda234d0-7077-4c76-98e7-078b08e9a5bf/Davenport+patchbox-2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Exciting New Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin A. Davenport © - Make it stand out Figure No.5a: The Davenport rifle’s patchbox is exceptional for a Bardstown rifle with its elaborate shape and nine piercings. However, its engraving and hinge construction follow Bardstown patterns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/69f86768-026f-4aff-b36e-cd02c17c70f1/Davenport+butt+carving-3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Exciting New Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin A. Davenport © - Make it stand out Figure No.5b: The back side of the butt has Bardstown’s iconic carved “swag & tassel” detail running along the butt plate, here a later style enhanced with a unique wavy line emerging from its center point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/68a0056a-2429-4d28-b106-4f52c63a7084/Davenport+rear+pipe+carving+3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Exciting New Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin A. Davenport © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: A “wavy line” termination of the forestock molding was used in northern Kentucky, but not on Bardstown guns. It retains a Kentucky flavor while showing Davenport’s growing design independence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/fc9e04ab-26ab-4731-b5bd-22db13000ff8/Davenport+sideplate-2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Exciting New Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin A. Davenport © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: The side plate is a traditional Bardstown pattern for late flint or early percussion guns with short “Kentucky horns” on either side of the lock bolt and “wavy line” borders and center line engraving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d8b9b12d-dfe1-47e5-9301-f4bd4f0cfda8/Davenport+guard+underside.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Exciting New Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin A. Davenport © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: The Davenport rifle’s guard has the traditional 3-flats on its outer surface, but the Bardstown “dimples” on the front and rear extensions are gone, replaced with small “thumbnail” shaped finials. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/668ea065-c3c1-4972-a81b-73e5e47496ab/Davenpost+toe+plate-2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Exciting New Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin A. Davenport © - Make it stand out Figure No.9: The Davenport rifle’s toe plate is fancier than expected, similar to the patchbox. While engraved with the traditional wavy line borders, it was probably recycled from an earlier gun. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/joshua-barlow-a-little-known-kentucky-gunsmith-of-the-well-known-barlow-family- monthly 0.5 2025-08-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/026a934a-a26d-4347-8365-e6c0a480a6df/Barlow+blog+full+front.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Joshua Barlow of Kentucky’s Large Barlow Family of Gunsmiths © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: A front view of the Joshua Barlow half-stocked rifle shows its clean Kentucky lines with triangular butt, typical double spurred guard, and a cast nose cap located several inches past the rear ramrod pipe, all characteristics of Kentucky gunmaking. Author’s collection, photos by author. Barrel: 40-5/16 inches long, .36 caliber bore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8fa8684e-3070-48d6-bed9-6f42d2196082/Barlow+blog+full+rear.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Joshua Barlow of Kentucky’s Large Barlow Family of Gunsmiths © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The reverse of the Joshua Barlow rifle shows its fine southern red maple stock with strong curl and beautiful original finish, oxidized dark but worn lighter in the appropriate areas. The gun has a tall, triangular butt, brass furniture, and small brass washer under the lock bolt’s head. Despite lacking ornamentation, it is a fine, well-built rifle with great eye appeal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9bc11071-b84a-4dd7-a2bc-246f18a0233d/Barlow+blog+signature.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Joshua Barlow of Kentucky’s Large Barlow Family of Gunsmiths © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: Joshua Barlow signed his rifle “J. Barlow” followed by “1851,” verifying it was made during his Bracken County years. His script letter “B” differed significantly in style from those of other Barlow gunmakers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9ea0dd41-26a2-42f3-bd37-11e79c022077/Barlow+blog+rear+pipe.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Joshua Barlow of Kentucky’s Large Barlow Family of Gunsmiths © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: Barlow’s cast nose cap sits beyond the rear pipe in traditional Kentucky style, but his flangeless rear pipe is rare for a Bracken County gun and may help identify his guns in the future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/534ed484-2240-4d6d-bb15-f597de07717d/Barlow+blog+lock+guard.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Joshua Barlow of Kentucky’s Large Barlow Family of Gunsmiths © Figure No.5: The lock area on the Joshua Barlow rifle shows its double spurred Kentucky-style guard with a “square shoulder” above the rear spur where it meets the rear extension. Also present is a tight, uniform side-facing around the lock plate and a decorative tab on the front trigger, all Kentucky details. Not visible is the gun’s 3-5/16 inches long tang with rounded tip and single tang bolt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/6d7e4575-7380-4a5f-bf92-11dd54324ead/Barlow+blog+pistol+full+X.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Joshua Barlow of Kentucky’s Large Barlow Family of Gunsmiths © Figure No.6: This attractive under-hammer pistol was made and signed by Joshua Barlow. He used good curly maple for the stock with a well-made and fitted single-action firing mechanism. The barrel and tang are heavily engraved in his “opposed vines” style, similar to engraving by his master, gunsmith Edmond C. Burden. Barrel: 4 inches long with .34 caliber bore. Photos courtesy G. Barlow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f6be6b03-1f53-4b76-bf11-8d2e33c23e9b/Barlow+blog+pistol+name+date.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Joshua Barlow of Kentucky’s Large Barlow Family of Gunsmiths © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: Joshua Barlow’s signature on his under-hammer pistol is virtually identical to the signature on his rifle, and both are dated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3fc8ed0e-b875-44cc-9767-a27bd8b4ad28/Barlow+blog+signature+Match3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Joshua Barlow of Kentucky’s Large Barlow Family of Gunsmiths © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: This is the signature in Figure No.3 above, but it has been cropped to highlight the name and date and show their similarity to the signature on the pistol barrel to the left [←] of this image. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/moses-dickson-and-his-1845-freemont-expedition-rifles- monthly 0.5 2025-08-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1da6e623-09c1-44ac-8cac-9b00488bfbf7/Dickson+Fremont+early+rifle.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Moses Dickson and His 1845 Freemont Expedition Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This early ca. 1825 Moses Dickson rifle is stamped “M. Dickson Louisville KY” on the lock and barrel. He was Louisville’s first gunmaker to use a distinct Louisville patchbox, attached with many small brass nails rather than screws. The front trigger has the “Louisville scroll” on its back edge, and the rear ramrod pipe has no flange or tailpiece. Barrel: 40-1/2 inches long with .42 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/284f127a-3abf-4229-97ef-ca2acf2105a6/Dickson+Fremont+Gimore+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Moses Dickson and His 1845 Freemont Expedition Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: This rare rifle is signed “J. Gilmore” in script on the barrel and is the only script signed James Gilmore rifle known to the author. It has fine curly maple wood, Louisville’s typical three ramrod pipes, and a beaver tail cheekpiece. Gilmore may have apprenticed to Dickson before becoming his partner, therefore not signing guns until years later. Barrel: 44 inches long with .37 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ed36be24-0895-415d-95b0-9ea55e79d60d/Dickson+Fremont+full+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Moses Dickson and His 1845 Freemont Expedition Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: This rifle is typical of Dickson’s work in the mid-1840s when Gilmore was his partner. The gun is stamped “M. Dickson & J. J. Gilmore Louisville KY.” on the barrel. It is a rugged gun, hefty in weight, with Dickson’s typical details used at the time of the Fremont purchases. It has three ramrod pipes, triangular butt, double-keyed forestock, and back-action lock with patent breech. Barrel: 40-1/2 inches, .42 caliber bore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2c73d797-8312-441f-8e08-050dd48ac68c/Dickson+Fremont+rear+half2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Moses Dickson and His 1845 Freemont Expedition Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.4a: The front of the Dickson & Gilmore rifle has their typical back-action lock used on better guns, Kentucky guard with a “square shoulder” on the rear spur, and patent breech. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/fbd3fa95-9fe1-419c-9b48-5e64ebd84591/Dickson+Fremont+rear+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Moses Dickson and His 1845 Freemont Expedition Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.4b: The back of the Dickson & Gilmore rifle has their typical cheekpiece with single molding line, simple lock bolt washer, and German silver wedge inlays at the barrel keys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a8149992-23ca-44d3-b104-4bd8cdafcb78/Dickson+Fremont+tang.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Moses Dickson and His 1845 Freemont Expedition Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: Dickson & Gilmore used long, two-screw tangs on all their rifles; later guns had tangs that tapered slightly more than this tang. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/4a6a92e7-99aa-43d2-835d-0e44bfff0918/Dickson+Fremont+signature.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Moses Dickson and His 1845 Freemont Expedition Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: This is a typical Dickson & Gilmore barrel stamp made with two or more stamps. Years of use and handling have worn the stampings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a3ecfb06-9630-470d-b6a2-6ae2e25df790/Dickson+Fremont+lock+guard.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Moses Dickson and His 1845 Freemont Expedition Rifles © - Figure No.7: Several interesting details appear in this view. The guard is typical of 1840s Louisville rifles with its double spurs and “square shoulder” on the rear spur. Triggers are “Louisville style” with a small scroll on the front “hair” trigger. The lock is stamped “M. Dickson” without Gilmore’s name, and the hammer appears unique for a Kentucky gun. It is held on the tumbler shaft by a tapered iron pin running through a hole in the end of the shaft. The detail is original to the rifle and may have been done for ease of removing/replacing the hammer in the field. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/forgotten-stepchild-of-kentucky-gunsmiths-the-under-hammer-pistol monthly 0.5 2025-08-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c902986b-81e0-4ecb-94c8-81e466c0cb22/KY+underhammer+four+frontX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunmakers’ Stepchild, The Under-Hammer Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.1a: These Kentucky under-hammers show style changes from the Ohio River [top] to southern Kentucky [bottom]. Top: A. J. Jones; W. C. Fryman; E. C. Burden; S. Settle. Author’s collection, photos by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/b438df09-c3a6-40d0-8fb3-bf53e4497a2c/KY+underhammer+four+rearX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunmakers’ Stepchild, The Under-Hammer Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.1b: The top pistol is a rare double-action under-hammer, while lower pistols have standard single-actions. Note how butt shapes changed as pistols were made farther into Kentucky’s interior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/b6e98b53-d868-48d6-b2e7-79204465735d/KY+underhammer+AJ+JonesX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunmakers’ Stepchild, The Under-Hammer Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: This classic under-hammer was made by Andrew Jones at Augusta, Kentucky, a bustling port town on the Ohio River. It has graceful lines, traditional butt shape, belt hook, and rare double-action. Barrel: 5-7/16 inches with .32 caliber bore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/afe32cd0-1e9a-46e6-ac34-9bb0fe9bae0a/KY+underhammer+Barlow+Pistol1X.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunmakers’ Stepchild, The Under-Hammer Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: This Bracken County pistol by Joshua Barlow was made near the Ohio River in 1854. It has a more naturally shaped butt, full octagon barrel, and the traditional “single-action” mechanism with thumbpiece for cocking. Barrel: 4 inches with .34 caliber bore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/4f648ed0-82b2-43ba-b6b3-66e3f0c4549f/KY+underhammer+FrymanX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunmakers’ Stepchild, The Under-Hammer Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: William C. Fryman made this pistol at Cynthiana in Harrison County, the next county inland from Bracken County, Kentucky. Lingering Ohio River influences are seen in the pistol’s curved grip and small belt/sash hook. Barrel: 6-1/8 inches long with .38 caliber bore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/45f99119-ff9c-48a5-843b-6de49d1362d0/KY+underhammer+Barlow2X.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunmakers’ Stepchild, The Under-Hammer Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: Joshua Barlow of Kentucky’s famous Barlow gunsmithing family made this pistol in Nicholas County, well away from the Ohio River. The grip no longer has the graceful curve of an Ohio River pistol and appears “chubby.” Barrel specs unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/38180194-0d57-44da-8361-8a067ecabaeb/KY+underhammer+BurdenX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunmakers’ Stepchild, The Under-Hammer Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: Edmond C. Burden of Nicholas County, Kentucky, was known for his conventional rifles and pistols; to date, this is a the only known under-hammer pistol stamped with his name. Barrel: 3-7/8 inches length with .32 caliber bore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/fc68fc20-55bc-4e2b-940a-01574bcb1063/KY+underhammer+Settle+X.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunmakers’ Stepchild, The Under-Hammer Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: Despite being made by well-known gunsmith Simon Settle of Green County, this pistol mimics a New England under-hammer in its “boot-leg” grip shape and octagon/round barrel. Barrel: 5-1/2 inches with .38 caliber bore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/6ed14bb5-63fc-43c1-a13b-26f8db344f38/KY+underhammer+A+J+Jones3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunmakers’ Stepchild, The Under-Hammer Pistol © - Make it stand out Early Kentucky under-hammer with double-action by Andrew J. Jones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/17537d2b-102f-414e-8dd6-4b37475a9c5f/KY+underhammer+JEW.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunmakers’ Stepchild, The Under-Hammer Pistol © - Make it stand out Double-action under-hammer pistol by Jesse E. White of Lexington, KY. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1dc4688c-840f-4982-98ba-63f13294109e/KY+underhammer+T+Bennett.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunmakers’ Stepchild, The Under-Hammer Pistol © - Under-hammer signed “T. Bennett” by Kentucky/Missouri gunsmith Thomas Bennett of Monroe County, Kentucky, 1847-1849 before moving to Missouri. Note sash/belt hook and straight barrel. Barrel: 6 inches with .36 caliber bore. Herschel C. Logan, Underhammer Guns, pp.96-97. Under-hammer signed “T. Bennett” by Kentucky/Missouri gunsmith Thomas Bennett in Monroe County, Kentucky, 1847-1849 before moving to Missouri in 1850. Barrel: 6 inches with .36 caliber bore. From Herschel C. Logan’s Underhammer Guns, pp.96-97. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/some-horns-are-just-prettier-a-war-of-1812-era-new-england-horn monthly 0.5 2025-07-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/933c85ad-d3b4-4f69-824a-e975a4f9633a/Ebay+horn+front+side.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Some Horns are Just Prettier Than Others: A New England Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The front side of the New England powder horn shows off its nicely shaped spout, relief carved ring of small triangles that separates the body from the spout, and a portion of its foliage-like folk-art decoration. A low domed, soft wood New England style butt plug is visible here. Horn dimensions: outside curve 14-1/2 inches, inside curve 11-7/8 inches, butt diameter 2-7/8 inches horizontally and vertically. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/20fed735-c025-48ee-9846-2d908f75f87b/Ebay+horn+back+side.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Some Horns are Just Prettier Than Others: A New England Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The back side of the New England horn has a continuation of the foliage style folk-art carving, along with a smaller zig-zag basal border somewhat like the ring of small triangles separating the horn’s body and spout. There is no name, date, or location carved on the horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/336c248d-4fb7-4ae8-aae8-c0164a69b885/Ebay+horn+top+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Some Horns are Just Prettier Than Others: A New England Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The top of the New England horn has a somewhat odd design running full length across its body. The design appears to be stacked chevrons between two outer border lines. The geometrical design is unexpected on an otherwise more natural “flowers and vines” decorated horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/60995ec4-7b43-4f57-9ba5-955c3f34937f/Ebay+horn+bottom.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Some Horns are Just Prettier Than Others: A New England Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The bottom of the horn has a stylized tulip flower, often used on earlier New England horns. To its right near the butt plug is a figure of a swan with raised wings. The deep cutting of the carved figures suggests the carver had some knowledge of what he was doing, but he was by no means a professional horn carver. The horn’s mellow color and dry, old surface is well illustrated in this full-length view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/da7c26a4-1f94-4e79-a020-6ecab95cb958/Ebay+horn+plug+holes+2x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Some Horns are Just Prettier Than Others: A New England Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The New England horn has the traditional style front strap attachment using of two holes drilled through the horn near its base. The holes angle downward to catch part of the plug wood for strength. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2cdcafd3-e5a2-4c97-998c-e876c427e035/Ebay+horn+spout+2x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Some Horns are Just Prettier Than Others: A New England Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The horn’s spout is exceptionally well designed and shaped, with all work done by hand, The dark staining on the spout and ring of small, relief-carved triangles at the spout’s base are visible here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/71aae741-d27d-4602-bb1f-86af56ec6ccc/Ebay+horn+swanx.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Some Horns are Just Prettier Than Others: A New England Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: One of the more interesting carved figures on the horn is the swan [or goose] with raised wings near the base. The bird figure adds a touch of life, or animation, to the horn’s artwork. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/0737a1ae-f33c-45e7-b3e8-d03dc40ac55c/Ebay+horn+flowerXX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Some Horns are Just Prettier Than Others: A New England Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: Several flowering plants appear in the horn’s carving. This particular plant, rather short and wide, has a large flowering head and several smaller buds. Perhaps a New Englander can identify it. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/unraveling-the-mystery-of-an-early-lexington-rifle-with-unique-details monthly 0.5 2025-07-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/5e28d492-644b-4382-93b7-b13d468db9c2/Lex-West+front+full2.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Deciphering the History of an Early Lexington Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This long-barreled Lexington School rifle has a Lexington style patchbox with large “Q” finial that indicates a pre-War of 1812 rifle. The patchbox is cast brass like later Lexington School patchboxes, but its simplicity and use of a surface hinge suggest it is an early form of the cast box, probably dating to about 1795. The rifle’s original flintlock has survived intact. Barrel: 47-1/2 inches long, .36 caliber bore. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/fdc1cbbc-238d-4845-ac08-d017cb25e51f/Lex-West+lock+guardX.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Deciphering the History of an Early Lexington Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The new rifle has a rounded Virginia style guard that lacks the flatter and more typical forward sloping bow with heavy front post on North Carolina influenced guards by the Bryan family and others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/162bebb5-243b-4512-a44c-22a847a178d4/Lex+-+West+guard+lock+NC+X.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Deciphering the History of an Early Lexington Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: This guard is typical of the more common Lexington guards with Bryan family influences from North Carolina. It has a forward sloping bow with heavy front post and two flats on its outer surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/0bdf22a5-54e7-4257-bfe8-fcf064a9592a/Lex-West+patchbox+XXX.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Deciphering the History of an Early Lexington Rifle © - Figure No.4: The simple Lexington patchbox lacks the later small crowns along its side leave’s top and bottom edges. The original lid is gone with an inappropriate “raised lid” replacement added. A new reinforcing plate replaces the lost knuckles on the hinge’s top edge. The box appears to be made from sheet brass, a very early detail for a Lexington rifle. Figure No.4: The early Lexington patchbox lacks small crowns on its side leaves, and its original lid was flat instead of raised. The small, rounded plate with the top hinge knuckles is likely original to the gun and may have been the precursor of similar engraved arches on later patchboxes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/31900e3e-b7ad-426e-8133-1c2b23198e62/Lex-West+rear+halfXXX.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Deciphering the History of an Early Lexington Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The back of the early Lexington rifle has a militia style lock bolt plate that is original to the gun. The gun’s short cheekpiece and thin butt plate are early details, and the butt’s double-line molding does not cut through the brass butt plate’s toe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/271af530-11d2-4821-bd50-1ff75092269c/Lex-West+side+plate+closeup.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Deciphering the History of an Early Lexington Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: This side plate is unique for a Lexington rifle and was probably taken off an earlier English officer’s military pistol along with the pistol’s lock. Note the fine English rose engraving on the plate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ddec82a5-6756-467a-9fab-884094c8877b/Lex-West+lockX.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Deciphering the History of an Early Lexington Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: The rifle’s lock is rusted but appears to be a Ketland lock based on its shape and engraved pattern on its tail. It probably came from the same English officer’s military pistol as the military style side plate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/63655d80-8fcf-4a41-a2cd-3e60e98d663b/Lex+-+West+wrist+box+inlay.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Deciphering the History of an Early Lexington Rifle © - Figure No.8: This silver wrist inlay may be the original inlay on the patchbox lid for the owner’s name. If so, it was salvaged from the original lid but did not fit on the new raised/domed lid. In order to keep it on the gun, it was inlaid into the wrist, with a new companion inlay added on the opposite side. The engraving looks “refreshed” and may, or may not, resemble the original name on the lid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/afb155db-c036-4b72-ad76-f08995a8d035/Lex-West+rear+fullX.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Deciphering the History of an Early Lexington Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.9: The reverse of the early Lexington rifle has numerous small silver inlays along the butt and forestock, with a crescent shaped inlay in the forestock grip area and a lozenge shaped wrist inlay probably added later. The rifle differs from Lexington guns made by North Carolina influenced gunsmiths with its rounded guard, no Lexington “bump” on the rear ramrod pipe, and no raised ridge at the end of the butt plate extension. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/the-prodigal-son-comes-home-a-forgotten-jacob-rizer-rifle monthly 0.5 2025-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/53f48163-1e05-4e7d-983c-1e3ae2ceb4e3/Rizer2+-+old+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Prodigal Son Comes Home, A Lost Jacob Rizer Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This worn rifle with rusty barrel has no visible signature. The gun’s triangular butt, long barrel, and double-spurred guard with a “square shoulder” above the rear spur were Kentucky details and caught the author’s eye. The gun reminded him of a similar Kentucky gun in his collection signed ‘J. Rizer.” Barrel: 43-1/2” with .38 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photos by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/aa07c498-f50b-46d2-a54f-ee815ecc17d8/Rizer+IL+fullx+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Prodigal Son Comes Home, A Lost Jacob Rizer Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: This “J. Rizer” signed rifle has a double-spurred guard and Rizer’s mid-1840s “chunky” cheekpiece that help date it about 1845. The grip area was worn through to the ramrod channel and a brass wear plate added to cover the damage. The back- action lock is marked “C. Baker” and stock wood is strongly figured curly maple. Barrel: 46-1/2” with .32 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photos by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/34b9dbd3-365a-4810-9916-3cb8e1635608/Rizer+IL+name+xX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Prodigal Son Comes Home, A Lost Jacob Rizer Rifle © Figure No.3: The ca. 1845 Rizer rifle is signed “J. Rizer” in script and is typical of all Rizer signatures throughout his career. His “z” had a longer tail on early guns, but during the percussion era the tail was lost, making his “z” look almost like an “n.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d33c7630-d1ac-494d-87d2-9a0465b0278e/Rizer+IL+rear+half2X.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Prodigal Son Comes Home, A Lost Jacob Rizer Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: Cheekpieces on Rizer’s mid-1840s rifles were larger than on his earlier guns and often referred to as his “chunky” cheekpieces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/4bff58ff-e2c5-4793-8abd-2ab94c10ffd8/Rizer2+-+old+front+half2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Prodigal Son Comes Home, A Lost Jacob Rizer Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The front side of the unsigned rifle shows its strongly curled maple stock, back-action lock marked “C. Baker, and Kentucky style guard with oval bow and “square shoulder” above the rear spur. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/cbd18858-8d23-4c65-9dcc-8a15f6ea9a87/Rizer2+-+old+rear+half2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Prodigal Son Comes Home, A Lost Jacob Rizer Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The worn rifle’s stock has several cracks in front of the guard; a period repair keeps the wood from splitting worse. The butt’s architecture and “chunky” style cheekpiece mimic the signed rifle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/901573c4-8a16-486a-8947-02fdf6f13b7d/Rizer2+-old+lock+guard.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Prodigal Son Comes Home, A Lost Jacob Rizer Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: The worn Rizer rifle’s back-action lock is marked “C. Baker.” Note the patent breech shape, mid-1840s double-spurred guard, and forward trigger with a “Kentucky” style small scroll on its back edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/242f99c4-d5fb-40fe-883a-74289a102b95/Rizer+IL+lock+guard.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Prodigal Son Comes Home, A Lost Jacob Rizer Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: The signed Rizer rifle mimics the unsigned rifle with its back-action lock marked “C. Baker,” same patent breech, and double-spurred guard with a Kentucky “square shoulder” above the rear spur. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/b3c86866-cd11-48d8-b692-c0aba8d05beb/Rizer2+-+old+both+tangs.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Prodigal Son Comes Home, A Lost Jacob Rizer Rifle © Figure No.9: Comparing the unsigned rifle’s tang [above] with the signed rifle’s tang [below] shows their similarity. Both tangs are similarly shaped and about the same length with two screws, i.e., tang bolt and tail screw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/208c1e55-25c5-4854-b721-936b91bc78c1/Rizer2+-+old-new+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Prodigal Son Comes Home, A Lost Jacob Rizer Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.10: A side-by-side comparison of the two Rizer rifles shows the same butt architecture, rear sight placement, butt plates, guards, three ramrod pipes, and back-action locks marked “C. Baker.” The only notable differences are terminations of forestocks and barrel lengths. Both guns have cast pewter nose caps, but the lower signed rifle has a more typical rear pipe set several inches behind its nose cap. The top rifle is a few years earlier with a .36 caliber bore compared to a .32 caliber bore and has a slightly larger diameter barrel flat-to-flat… made shorter to lessen its weight. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/a-superb-north-carolina-rifle-with-unique-relief-carving-amp-patchbox-part-two monthly 0.5 2025-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/b3903d49-ba36-40e3-9c91-9fa2db8d410d/NC+-+SP3+full+front.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A North Carolina Rifle with Unique Relief Carving &amp; Patchbox: PART TWO - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The Samuel Peterson rifle from Lincoln County, North Carolina, dates to about 1800-1805 and is the earliest known rifle by Peterson. While hard to see due to a darkened surface, the gun has an exceptional patchbox with guilloche side leaves and an elaborate finial ending in a softly curved bird’s neck and head, unique to North Carolina rifles. The patchbox lid is engraved with large script initials “S P” for Samuel Peterson, similar to at least one other known Peterson rifle. His later rifles were often signed “S. Peterson” on the barrel. Author’s collection, photos by Author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3d0b5691-565e-4662-993c-d58c97b5ea37/NC+-+SP3+full+rear.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A North Carolina Rifle with Unique Relief Carving &amp; Patchbox: PART TWO - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The rifle looks worse than it really is, with a darkened, grungy surface and heavily oxidized metal parts that hide much of its beauty and exceptional details. Fine relief carving on the butt is done in a previously unseen pattern and almost hidden in the darkened surface of the butt. While suffering several simple forestock breaks at the wedge positions due to wood shrinkage and a lost nose cap, the gun is otherwise in good condition. Barrel: 42-7/8 inches [was 43-1/2 inches], .42 caliber, 7-groove rifling, 7/8 inch across flats, 1-7/16 inch butt width. Author’s collection & photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3a237272-6ffc-401e-a588-ccbf8a1c9cdf/NC+-+SP3+box.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A North Carolina Rifle with Unique Relief Carving &amp; Patchbox: PART TWO - Make it stand out Figure No.3: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2d9c4d25-2873-4b8a-99b6-4bc62e236bfe/NC+-+SP3+carving+cheek.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A North Carolina Rifle with Unique Relief Carving &amp; Patchbox: PART TWO - Make it stand out Figure No.4: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/4c2266cb-b52e-4540-953c-5e5a1a9c5f5b/NC+-+SP3+REAR+rear+pipe+inlay.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A North Carolina Rifle with Unique Relief Carving &amp; Patchbox: PART TWO Figure No.5: The rear ramrod pipe is filed with a faceted surface instead of the typical octagon shape, and it has an extended flange. Forestock inlays are coin silver in lozenge shape with small zig-zag borders, and the double-line forestock molding ends in a large serpentine line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c52744eb-3f6e-4626-9ea9-7b3907c37b5e/NC+-+SP3+REAR+two+mid+pipes.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A North Carolina Rifle with Unique Relief Carving &amp; Patchbox: PART TWO Figure No.6: The second and third ramrod pipes show how the double-line molding bends down and is interrupted at the barrel wedge inlays. Wood shrinkage/contraction caused forestock breaks at the outer three wedge positions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/bda9011e-f031-43da-a94f-810cc7581716/NC+-+SP3+REAR+outer+pipes+muzzle.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A North Carolina Rifle with Unique Relief Carving &amp; Patchbox: PART TWO - Make it stand out Figure No.7: The front termination of the forestock molding is seen just in front of the last pipe. The barrel was cut 5/8” at the breech, pulling the muzzle cap back and cutting the ends of the last wedge inlays… which are now missing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/0068d158-b182-44bf-b231-dfa7879c0868/NC+-+toe+plate.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A North Carolina Rifle with Unique Relief Carving &amp; Patchbox: PART TWO - Make it stand out Figure No.8: The rifle’s toe plate matches the guilloche pattern in the patchbox’s side leaves down to its three piercings. Peterson used a round release button in his toe plate rather than the usual button in the top side leaf of the patchbox. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/36fbaf68-dcad-43a0-925a-b7c7fd75d63b/NC+-+SP3a+lock+triggers.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A North Carolina Rifle with Unique Relief Carving &amp; Patchbox: PART TWO Figure No.9: The Samuel Peterson rifle retains its original small sized Kentland flint plate. The lock support a circa 1800-1805 date with its pointed tail. The guard may have had its bow slightly flattened, and the rear trigger with a “slightly” different shape was Peterson’s design. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1957034a-64cb-47db-b5d8-10954759220e/NC+-+side++plate.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A North Carolina Rifle with Unique Relief Carving &amp; Patchbox: PART TWO Figure No.10: The side plate on the Peterson rifle is interesting. It resembles other side plates from the area, but is not an exact copy, again showing Peterson’s individuality. The front bolt was discarded when the gun was converted to percussion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/6dfd8d07-c20c-46ea-8280-8e9c23d5695d/NC+-+tangX.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A North Carolina Rifle with Unique Relief Carving &amp; Patchbox: PART TWO Figure No.11: The rifle retained its original tang when the gun was changed to percussion, and the barrel shortened slightly at the breech. A silver thumb piece has traces of an engraved border, but if it ever had the owner’s initials, they are now worn off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/b3a08566-12e1-4858-8a2b-c53705384c94/NC+-+initials+SP+X.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A North Carolina Rifle with Unique Relief Carving &amp; Patchbox: PART TWO - Make it stand out Figure No.12: Peterson signed his rifle in large, script initials “S P” on the patchbox lid, engraved upside down in typical North Carolina fashion so it appeared right side up to the person carrying the gun. Peterson signed at least one other known rifle on the lid with similar initials. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/mercer-county-powder-horn-carver-william-dunwoodys-personal-horn monthly 0.5 2025-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/de11948b-88c0-4e28-a129-8b81949af5dd/Masonic+WD+full+masonic+side.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Horn Carver William Dunwoody’s Personal Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: Most Mercer County horns have bold Masonic imagery that often includes the square & compass. This horn, while sparsely decorated, has a huge square & compass inside a circular cartouche on the front side of the horn. Small circles inside the Masonic imagery contain numbers, a unique detail for a Mercer County horn. The small circle on the viewer’s top left is different. While hard to see, it has the small bust of a man inside rather than a number. Busts of men are common on Mercer County horns and usually represent the horn’s owner, often with his name or initials nearby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/820a1c16-b31d-4758-9f3f-0866282c94e6/Masonic+WD+full+WD+side.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Horn Carver William Dunwoody’s Personal Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: Perhaps the most important detail on the horn is its very large signature, or initials, with the date “1843” underneath. The “W D” stands for William Dunwoody, the primary carver of Mercer County horns, and its exceptional size, with no other initials or name on the horn, strong suggests the horn belonged to William Dunwoody himself. Polychrome/stain is visible in the scrolls above the initials and date. A detail of possible significance is the use of seven (7) small nails to attach the butt plug, since seven plug nails were used on a number of other Mercer County horns as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c3eba6cc-7d87-4490-8e1e-83cf84908d85/Masonic+WD+11aa.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Horn Carver William Dunwoody’s Personal Horn © - Figure No.3: The large Masonic cartouche with square & compass fills one side of the horn. On its left side are two small circles with numbers and a bottom circle with a man’s face/bust. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/942fd448-9cf0-40f7-95ee-ac2393b7d0e4/Masonic+WD+8aa.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Horn Carver William Dunwoody’s Personal Horn © - Figure No.4: The mid-section of the Masonic emblem has two small, checkered squares. Four of its six small circles with numbers are visible. The bottom left circle has a man’s face/bust. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/22d8c996-feb2-4fbb-b2b2-1ed6dc357b61/Masonic+WD+1aa.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Horn Carver William Dunwoody’s Personal Horn © - Figure No.5: The left side of the Masonic emblem shows its polychromed scrolls, vines, and small arcs that make up part of the larger circular border of its cartouche. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/418b286b-e61a-45b4-b87c-f51234aee6a3/Masonic+WD+-+face.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Horn Carver William Dunwoody’s Personal Horn © - Figure No.6: Buried in the 6th small circle on the lower left is a diminutive bust of a man, undoubtedly representing the horn’s owner. Its small size suggests it may portray the carver. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/94785671-bf21-44a8-89cc-67d3b1b2498c/Masonic+WD+-+pineapple+top.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Horn Carver William Dunwoody’s Personal Horn © - Figure No.7: The top of the circular cartouche around the Masonic square & compass has a cross-hatched pineapple-like figure, but perhaps it is simply a decorative detail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/58ef8065-7459-424b-9a21-cc0499667890/Masonic+WD+6aa.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Horn Carver William Dunwoody’s Personal Horn © - Figure No.8: The horn’s very prominent and oversized carver’s initials, without any other owner’s initials or name on the horn, suggest it was the carver’s personal horn. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/expectations-for-an-unknown-north-carolina-rifle-with-kentucky-details monthly 0.5 2025-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/16f1bee9-269e-4c23-a40a-d5baff7f6e64/NC+-+full+view2.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - High Expectations for a North Carolina Rifle with Unique Patchbox and Relief Carving © - Figure No.1: The new rifle’s slim architecture can be seen here, along with its four ramrod pipes used in both North Carolina and Kentucky. Oval forestock inlays protect the wedge positions but, like most other details, are too blurry to see. Photos courtesy Fontaine’s Auction Gallery, Pittsfield, MA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/04b5708e-6217-4308-b7cd-90980b5930c2/NC+-+front+half2.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - High Expectations for a North Carolina Rifle with Unique Patchbox and Relief Carving © - Figure No.2: The gun’s large patchbox is heavily pierced with guilloche side-leaves and a bird finial. Its lid may be initialed but is too dark to read. However, the patchbox holds promise for a signed lid as well as good quality engraving highlighting its features. Despite the gun’s worn appearance and minor damage, all important pieces are present so it can be returned to its original appearance rather easily. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3d113876-9397-48ad-90a9-2c686d72a8dd/NC+-+Ketland+lock2.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - High Expectations for a North Carolina Rifle with Unique Patchbox and Relief Carving © Figure No.3: The new rifle has a pointed tail lock that was originally flint and helps date the gun to circa 1800. The lock is stamped “T. Ketland & Co,” which was also the preferred lock on Kentucky’s Lexington rifles before the War of 1812. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ec182777-f369-442b-9d58-c383fd66dde6/NC+-+rear+pipe2.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - High Expectations for a North Carolina Rifle with Unique Patchbox and Relief Carving © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The rear pipe area has two important details, the faceted ramrod pipe with silver overlay, and the double-line molding with wavy line termination similar to Kentucky’s Bluegrass molding terminations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c8b9b3ed-d06a-4f57-9ffa-1e9aa935abb0/NC+-+missing+inlay3png.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - High Expectations for a North Carolina Rifle with Unique Patchbox and Relief Carving © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: A forestock inlay mortise with missing inlay shows a graceful detail in the forestock molding line as it droops and separates below the wedge inlay. The wood suffered a full contraction break. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a0b2243b-823d-4bdc-aa85-382299e7aee8/NC+-+butt+carving2.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - High Expectations for a North Carolina Rifle with Unique Patchbox and Relief Carving © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: Relief carving on North Carolina rifles is rare but occurs in several of its gunmaking schools. This complex carved pattern appears unique among North Carolina carved rifles; it is restricted to the area behind the cheekpiece. The carving is both relieved and gouged, with interesting highlights created by: 1) punched dots running the length of major gouged “C” scrolls, and 2) “feather” type veining along the lower edges of several scrolls. Also visible is the butt plate return with its raised ridge with two filed lines across it, similar to Bluegrass rifles from Kentucky. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/an-exceptional-southern-under-hammer-pistol-of-possible-kentucky-origin monthly 0.5 2025-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3035e72d-80e2-4f71-b89d-9566134d8846/underhammer+front2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional Southern Under-Hammer Pistol with Kentucky Roots © - Make it stand out Figure No.1a: The new under-hammer pistol has southern features in its attractively shaped grip, curly maple wood, and full-length octagon barrel. Two rare details for an under-hammer are its “double-action” firing mechanism and a belt hook. While unsigned, the pistol closely resembles pistols made by gunsmith A. J. Jones of Bracken County, Kentucky. The butt profile, main-spring guard’s shape, trigger length/shape, and hammer profile all closely mimic Jones’ pistols. Pistol: length 10”, barrel 5-3/8”, bore .32 caliber. Author’s collection, photos by Author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ec8d5b5a-6751-47d0-b39f-8091f470e61f/underhammer+back2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional Southern Under-Hammer Pistol with Kentucky Roots © - Make it stand out Figure No.1b: The reverse of the southern under-hammer pistol is similar to its front side, since the firing mechanism is under the pistol instead of using a more traditional side lock. Note the cut-out at the end of the hammer, needed for capping the nipple and removing fired caps. The main-spring, which also serves as the guard, is attached to the hammer by a simple, small hook on the back of the hammer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/46aefb74-20e3-4c93-a7db-b03cb6969d48/BR%236-5a++Settle+pistol+front+2+.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional Southern Under-Hammer Pistol with Kentucky Roots © - Make it stand out Figure No.2a: Under-hammer pistols from Kentucky are rare. This example was made by gunsmith Simon Settle of Green County far inland from the Ohio River, and it uses the New England style grip. The hammer’s thumb rest is broken off, and the main spring is internal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/cc242fbb-4c0a-44a1-b9d9-b11dbebb41bb/BR%236-5c+Settle+pistol+signature2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional Southern Under-Hammer Pistol with Kentucky Roots © - Make it stand out Figure No.2b: Simon Settle was a well-known member of the famous Settle family of gunmakers from central Kentucky. This is his only pistol known to collectors, signed “S. Settle. Maker1844” on a brass strip on top of the tang. Note the rear sight at the end of the brass strip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c6455c16-6a82-46ff-8385-f0c2b149b035/underhammer+book+gun.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional Southern Under-Hammer Pistol with Kentucky Roots © - Make it stand out Figure No.3a: This under-hammer pistol by Kentucky gunsmith A. J. Jones is very similar to the study pistol, with its spring guard, trigger, and softly rounded hammer being almost identical in shape. It may be a few years earlier due to is octagon-to-round barrel and less refined grip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ea343bed-dccc-4541-86c5-a9c2ada42027/underhammer+book+description.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional Southern Under-Hammer Pistol with Kentucky Roots © - Make it stand out Figure No.3b: The above description accompanies the A. J. Jones pistol in Underhammer Guns by Herschel Logan. Several rifles, both full-stocked and half-stocked, by Jones are known to collectors, all signed in neat script. His work is well-made but usually rather plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/dafceea7-685a-4860-a89e-31bc76abe2c8/underhammer+guard+trigger.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional Southern Under-Hammer Pistol with Kentucky Roots © - Make it stand out Figure No.4a: The main spring/guard, trigger, and hammer are all neatly shaped and well finished. Note the small, decorative hash marks around the breech and a rare belt hook made of spring steel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/94604b1d-2d80-4e3c-aa80-735912b624a0/underhammer+guard2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional Southern Under-Hammer Pistol with Kentucky Roots © - Make it stand out Figure No.4b: When the hammer is viewed at a forward angle, the cutout opening on its contact end for loading and removing percussion caps is more easily seen. The nipple shows corrosion but is not beat down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3a7cde17-c17f-4e59-b31b-0dcb0ee95990/underhammer+silver+inlay.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional Southern Under-Hammer Pistol with Kentucky Roots © - Make it stand out Figure No. 5a: The back of the grip has a narrow silver inlay, undoubtedly intended for the owner’s name but never filled in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a2b69ef2-05b3-4238-b7be-89293251e29c/underhammer+tang.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional Southern Under-Hammer Pistol with Kentucky Roots © - Make it stand out Figure No. 5b: The pistol’s tang has a sharply pointed lozenge-shaped finial, which is mimicked at either end of silver inlay below it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/5b14e44a-4710-48e1-9787-5b811e729ce2/underhammer+muzzle2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Exceptional Southern Under-Hammer Pistol with Kentucky Roots © - Figure No.6: Muzzle decoration on the new under-hammer pistol has two concentric inner rings surrounded by eight neatly stamped “round stars” at each corner of the octagon barrel. Despite being unsigned, the distinctive 8-pointed stars stamped around the perimeter may help identify the gun’s maker when a signed gun, rifle or pistol, is found stamped with similar stars. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/michael-sells-northern-kentuckys-best-known-ohio-river-gunsmith monthly 0.5 2025-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c58e9ec5-1a9f-4bf2-80da-a3eb04e39d9b/Sells+M+-+full+1st.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Michael Sells, Kentucky’s Best Known Ohio River Gunsmith © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This early Michael Sells rifle has his first type stock architecture with a little more drop in the butt with less butt height, scooped cheekpiece, no patchbox or inlay work, and his early style guard. These rifles tended to have a more hooked/curved rear trigger which, with the scooped cheekpiece, was reminiscent of Carolina rifles. The rifle dates to circa 1835. Courtesy D. Schlegel, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/01e7b648-6265-42c0-ad0b-d60ba66f3d8e/Sells-MIchael+advert+guns+wool.jpeg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Michael Sells, Kentucky’s Best Known Ohio River Gunsmith © - Figure No.2: In late 1835, Sells purchased a building with steam power in Augusta, Kentucky, then purchased equipment for wool carding. He was already running his gunsmithing business out of the building in late 1835 and planned to be carding wool by spring of 1836. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8ab16424-729f-44fc-9fed-3bb3bcfb2752/Sells-Michael++advertisement+wool+carding.jpeg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Michael Sells, Kentucky’s Best Known Ohio River Gunsmith © - Figure No. 3: By June of 1836, Sells had his wool carding equipment installed and running, and was soliciting carding business form local wool growers. The advertisement makes no mention of Sells’ gunsmithing done in the same building on High Street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/5addd129-f55d-4e13-a676-d03041ee1db7/Sells+M+-+full+-+2nd.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Michael Sells, Kentucky’s Best Known Ohio River Gunsmith © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: By the late 1830s, Sells’ rifles had taken on their “Kentucky” style with taller butt, guard with more oval bow and double spurs, cheekpiece that was flat rather than scooped, and a rear trigger without a strong hook in it. This rifle is typical of Sells’ 1840s work, when most rifles were plain without a patchbox or inlay work. Courtesy D. Schlegel, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/62c331e0-350b-49cc-bcc3-46acd9a47197/Sells+M+-+full+xxx.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Michael Sells, Kentucky’s Best Known Ohio River Gunsmith © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: In the 1840s, Sells began to use full patchboxes, always of the same design, while inlay work remained rare. This mid-1840s Sells rifle is exceptional for its silver inlays that included forestock inlays, several small teardrop inlays at tip of patchbox and on rear side-facing, and a large silver ring in the cheekpiece. This is the only single-trigger Sells rifle known to the author; it may represent a special-order rifle by a customer who requested its single trigger, silver inlays, and fine stock wood. Barrel: 42 inches, .40 caliber, 7-groove rifling. Author’s collection, photo by Author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2e944f64-2fc9-4390-a1b8-6f3ebecbc23a/Sells+M+-+patchbox+xxxx.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Michael Sells, Kentucky’s Best Known Ohio River Gunsmith © - Figure No.6: A close-up view of Michael Sells’s standard patchbox pattern shows its full hinge across the box, solid side-leaves, solid finial with a stylized acro tip, and Sells’ trademark engraved rays around the screw heads with three simple rays on either side of each head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/44bdb371-69f2-4ce8-9445-27c897bfc558/Sells+M+-+toe+plate+xxx.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Michael Sells, Kentucky’s Best Known Ohio River Gunsmith © - Figure No.7: Sells’ guns with patchboxes had toe plates with matching rays around their screw heads. The simple, straight engraving cuts suggest Sells was not proficient at engraving and restricted to making only basic cuts to decorate his metal surfaces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/53885d0a-b139-46ca-8af3-7235e20fd743/Sells-Michael+advertisement+fire.jpeg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Michael Sells, Kentucky’s Best Known Ohio River Gunsmith © Figure No.8: Sells purchased his building and carding equipment in late 1835, and was carding wool by mid-1836. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/cebac697-76a3-47f0-aa58-45e81fa729ce/Sells-Michael+advertisement+3.jpeg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Michael Sells, Kentucky’s Best Known Ohio River Gunsmith © Figure No.9: After losing his wool carding business, Sells focused on gunsmithing in this 1842 advertisement. He advertised new guns, black-smithing, and gun repairing. Democratic Standard, Georgetown, KY, 1842. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/secondary-lexington-rifles-who-made-them monthly 0.5 2025-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c6139464-8bf6-47ab-a32c-18ea73d7d41c/Sec+Lex+-+full125826+%281%29.JPG Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Secondary Lexington Rifles – Who Made Them? © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This secondary Lexington rifle is well-stocked in walnut with iron mountings, but its “poor boy” style lacks a rear ramrod pipe and butt plate. The butt profile is triangular with a soft curve in the wrist, and the slim forestock has a straight barrel typical of Lexington rifles. The butt’s heel has been heavily worn/damaged from years of use without a protective butt plate. Kentucky’s “poor boy” guns often had extra wood left on the heel for expected heavy wear, giving butts on some rifles an exaggerated “crescent” profile, but heavy wear on this rifle has removed any extra wood on the butt’s heel. Barrel: 47 inches long, straight with no swamping, rusty bore, about .34-.36 caliber. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/23d1d889-bf8f-4f0d-80d0-ceece9fc0579/Sec+Lex+front+half+2.JPG Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Secondary Lexington Rifles – Who Made Them? © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The front of the secondary Lexington rifle has an English import lock, typical of locks on most Kentucky guns. The rifle was originally a flintlock but later converted to percussion. The butt’s badly worn heel on the butt suggests a long working life for the gun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c8f3562c-8bb1-4cc8-b761-43d147bb00bb/Sec+Lex+rear+half+2.JPG Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Secondary Lexington Rifles – Who Made Them? © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The back of the study rifle has a double-line lower butt molding and a cheekpiece with a flute across its lower edge with single molding line above, similar in style to Lexington rifles. The large-headed lock bolts are modern replacements for smaller bolts without washers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8c6eea41-893d-4a86-a4fb-50acc738191c/Sec+Lex+molding+lines+arcs.JPG Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Secondary Lexington Rifles – Who Made Them? © - Figure No. 4: In the stock wood just above the back end of the guard’s bow, the butt’s double-line molding can be seen with its three (3) small arc cuts that terminate it. Many secondary Lexington rifles do not have molding lines, but the study rifle is above average and may be linked to the Bryan gun shop near Lexington, where fine rifles were made. Figure No. 4: The butt’s double-line molding can be seen above the back of the guard’s bow with three (3) small arc cuts that terminate it. Many secondary Lexington rifles do not have molding lines, but the study rifle is stocked above average, and several details, including its molding lines and triggers, link it to the Bryan gun shop near Lexington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c7249445-8d9a-42fd-a1ed-c1525a6a27b1/Sec+LEX+triggers+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Secondary Lexington Rifles – Who Made Them? © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: These triggers are on an “L & W Bryan” signed rifle from the Bryan gun shop and date a few years earlier than the study rifle. Despite an angle difference in the photos, the triggers are almost identical to the triggers on the study rifle. Also note the double-line molding terminated by a wavy line, and the pointed rear ends of both side-facings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/09ad9a8f-96ef-471a-aa3e-7daa41591a22/Sec+Lex+-+guard.JPG Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Secondary Lexington Rifles – Who Made Them? © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The study rifle’s traditional iron guard is shown in its entirety here. Both front and rear attachment screws are visible. The guard has a forward extension but no rear extension, with the rear screw just inside the rear spur. The rear spur is a simple bend in the iron, with its back edge not quite touching the stock wood. The guard is functional, low cost, and does not detract from the rifle’s appearance. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/from-swiss-schuetzen-to-kentucky-squirrel-rifle-balthasar-auers-kentucky-journey- monthly 0.5 2025-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/cec90313-d9b3-4701-9d94-e6fee56507d7/Auer+Balthasar2-2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - From Schuetzen to Squirrel Rifle, Balthasar Auer’s Kentucky Journey © - Figure No.1: Balthasar Auer is dressed in his hunting outfit with his bird dog at his knee, shotgun under his arm, and a Swiss open-mesh game bag over one shoulder and powder flask over the other. His dark beard suggests he was young and perhaps in a Louisville studio. Photo courtesy G. Schuyler. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/759a6572-41fb-4593-8879-68c61e6ffd61/Auer+Balthasar3-2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - From Schuetzen to Squirrel Rifle, Balthasar Auer’s Kentucky Journey © - Figure No.2: This is Auer’s gun shop in Owensboro, Kentucky. The small sign high and to the left of the door reads “B. AUER” in large letters. Auer is the taller man with an apron on the right, and a shop employee is holding a new rifle by the muzzle in his left hand [viewer’s right]. Photo courtesy G. Schuyler. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2953267c-e434-423b-a576-9ca89871d88c/LV%231-8c+Auer+Schuetzen+full+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - From Schuetzen to Squirrel Rifle, Balthasar Auer’s Kentucky Journey © - Make it stand out Figure No.3a: This Louisville Schuetzen-style rifle is marked “B. Auer Louisville Ky.” The rifle has a Schuetzen butt plate with extended lower “hook” and an “acorn” button in the heel. The guard retains Schuetzen-style finger rests, and a horn nose cap terminates the short forestock. Kentucky details beginning to show in Auer’s work include the tight side facing around the lock and small “saw handle” grip at the back of the tang, perhaps influenced by better-known Mercer County gunsmith Benjamin Mill’s fine target rifles. The peep sights are original, but the adjustable open rear sight may be a later addition. Highly figured walnut is visible in the butt stock. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7163fc74-d878-40d9-9a16-fd47d0f9c7c9/LV%231-8b+Auer+Schuetzen+rear+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - From Schuetzen to Squirrel Rifle, Balthasar Auer’s Kentucky Journey © - Figure No.3b: The back of Auer’s Louisville Schuetzen rifle has Swiss-influenced lock bolt washers and attachments for a shoulder strap for off-hand shooting. The tubular rear peep sight was made by Auer and used on other Schuetzen-style target rifles he made. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/22d26f89-5e6b-45ef-bbff-4a9cc05bc025/LV%231-9+Auer+full+with+palm+rest+2.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - From Schuetzen to Squirrel Rifle, Balthasar Auer’s Kentucky Journey © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: This Louisville rifle by Auer retains Schuetzen features in its guard, butt plate, and palm rest, but it is evolving away from a Schuetzen and beginning to incorporate more Kentucky features. The rifle now has a cast pewter nose cap, simpler open rear sight, simpler inlays at the forestock wedge position, less figured wood in the butt stock, and slightly slimmer stocking than earlier rifles. However, the rifle retains Auer’s tube-shaped rear peep sight and hooded from sight. Photo courtesy G. Schuyler [a direct descendant of Auer]. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1baa13eb-d0bc-4986-80a9-411f1bfe0f02/LV%231-7a+Auer+pistol+front.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - From Schuetzen to Squirrel Rifle, Balthasar Auer’s Kentucky Journey © - Make it stand out Figure No.5a: Auer made derringer-style pistols in Louisville in the 1865-1869 period. This example is well-made, neatly checkered, and has a forestock “chin” below the muzzle, often associated with southern derringer-style pistols. Courtesy Cowan’s Auctions, Cincinnati, OH. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/735fdaca-45ad-4d12-ae0f-097ad58bfa4e/LV%231-7c+Auer+pistol+name+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - From Schuetzen to Squirrel Rifle, Balthasar Auer’s Kentucky Journey © - Make it stand out Figure No.5b: Auer signed his small derringer-style pistols “B. Auer / Louisville, KY” similar to his rifles, and at times he stamped his lock plates. The barrel originally had a darker finish that has worn off from handling and cleaning. Courtesy Cowan’s Auctions, Cincinnati, OH. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/bebc7df9-c886-42e5-b10c-766dfa463e5c/OR%234-12a+NEW+Auer+front+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - From Schuetzen to Squirrel Rifle, Balthasar Auer’s Kentucky Journey © - Make it stand out Figure No.6a: Auer made this rifle after arriving in Owensboro in 1869. It has commercial triggers, lock, and guard with a cast nose cap. Stocking is typical for a later, half-stocked Kentucky hunting rifle. But the gun retains a modified Schuetzen-style butt plate with its lower “hook” extension truncated, while the small, screw-out “acorn” button in the butt plate’s heel remains. Courtesy Ancestry Guns, photo by B. Sherrard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/98a72ffd-7008-479e-a535-f7a800d020e5/OR%234-12b+Auer+curly+back+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - From Schuetzen to Squirrel Rifle, Balthasar Auer’s Kentucky Journey © - Figure No.6b: The back side of the Owensboro rifle shows Auer’s acceptance of a conventional stock shape with traditional cheekpiece and hunter’s star. However, his lock bolt washer, wedge inlay, and cheek star show an artistic flair, adding a touch of class to his hunting rifle. Courtesy Ancestry Guns, photo by B. Sherrard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/fe58eebc-7497-4293-a3e4-81b17c1c5ecf/OR%234-11c+Auer+std+full+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - From Schuetzen to Squirrel Rifle, Balthasar Auer’s Kentucky Journey © - Make it stand out Figure No.7a: Auer’s Owensboro guns evolved to this final “hunting rifle” style, often referred to as a “squirrel rifle” due to its small caliber bore. All traces of Auer’s earlier Louisville Schuetzen-style rifles are gone in this 1870s hunting rifle. The barrel is longer than barrels on Aure’s earlier rifles, forestock wedge inlays are simpler, and butt architecture has Kentucky’s triangular shape. Barrel: 41-3/4 inches, .33 caliber, 7-groove rifling, 7/8 inch across flats. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/26687bb7-8758-43e9-8de7-2b692770b687/OR%234-11b+Auer+std+rear+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - From Schuetzen to Squirrel Rifle, Balthasar Auer’s Kentucky Journey © - Make it stand out Figure No.7b: The back of Auer’s Owensboro rifle looks like a late Kentucky half-stocked rifle with its oval cheekpiece, late style guard, crescent butt plate with extended heel, and lack of decoration. Its patent breech is visible here, along with a lower positioned lock bolt washer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c06c827f-9809-4210-bbcf-3b2b998957b9/OR%234-11d+Auer+Owens+name+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - From Schuetzen to Squirrel Rifle, Balthasar Auer’s Kentucky Journey © - Make it stand out Figure No.7c: The barrel signature on Auer’s late Owensboro rifle is its most important detail. His name appears hand-engraved rather than stamped, but the smaller “OWENS” after his name appears stamped. The extended signature documents the gun as an Owensboro product. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/capturing-the-art-of-a-tansel-powder-horn monthly 0.5 2025-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3c459dd6-1fc0-4883-93ca-f2df94824118/Sketch+1+Tansel+horn.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Capturing the Art of a Tansel Powder Horn © Session #1: After the first drawing session, light working lines have been laid out [very light and hard to see], and a decision made on where to locate the eagle to prevent the horn’s second major figure, a standing lady, from running off the top or bottom of the paper. The main figure, the federal eagle, was then sketched in pencil. Both placement and orientation of the eagle were important to achieve a balanced and realistic appearing final ink drawing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f50c1265-c82a-4fce-9f97-c36692af1a6b/Sketch+2+Tansel+horn.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Capturing the Art of a Tansel Powder Horn © Session 2: The horn’s second major figure, a standing lady, was added in this session, along with two secondary figures of a dog and deer. A pencil sketch always starts with the eagle, followed by the figures closest to the eagle and working outward as figures are added. A faint line marks the edge of the carved area to the right of the deer, needed to locate and scale figures correctly. It is the first step in outlining the outer edges of the horn’s body around the artwork. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1cfc0985-894d-4f49-9941-bb0e03fe4ada/Sketch+3+Tansel+horn.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Capturing the Art of a Tansel Powder Horn © Session 3: Two deer and a partial dog figure [below lady] were added in this session. Faint lines now mark the right and bottom edges of the horn’s carved surface. Nonstandard figures often take longer to draw than repetitive Tansel figures. On this horn, the lady and the deer with turned head and stiff front legs were nonstandard figures, requiring more time to sketch to ensure they matched the horn’s figures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/89133a56-36e5-4826-a133-aa5667412b9e/Sketch+4+Tansel+horn.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Capturing the Art of a Tansel Powder Horn © Session 4: This was a long session with all remaining carved figures penciled into place, including the scalloped basal border. After the figures were in place, an outline of the horn’s skin, or decorated area, was finalized around the figures. The last items sketched were the powder horn’s spout and butt plug, since they could not be properly located until the final outline of horn body was completed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d044e862-51e8-4bbe-9998-5ec92780eefc/Sketch+5+Tansel+horn.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Capturing the Art of a Tansel Powder Horn © Session 5: The inking process started in this session, with the outer edges of the horn’s skin inked first. Figures then began to be inked, started at the bottom and then the side of the drawing. Inking is always done from the outer edges working inward to prevent smudging the remaining penciled-in figures. Fine shading lines [eagle’s feathers, border scallops, etc.] are not added until the figure is inked; shading is then done free hand while inking the figure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f9b2c047-bf10-4506-8487-02d7c87745a7/Sketch+6+Tansel+horn.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Capturing the Art of a Tansel Powder Horn © Session 6: The eagle is the most complex figure on a Tansel powder horn, with its many small details including shading/veining feathers, stars, and banners. Therefore, the eagle takes more time than other figures to ink. In this session, only the eagle and a nearby deer were inked due to the time involved, making the session one of the longer ones in the horn’s sketching/inking process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/5b4ad581-5f02-4144-87e6-c7ff066a6d84/Sketch+7+Tansel+horn.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Capturing the Art of a Tansel Powder Horn © Session 7: The last session completed the inking of all figures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8ca8c4fd-4ea0-439f-b777-79f6b19d894c/Tansel+-+blog+1x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Capturing the Art of a Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f014c6e3-93c8-4834-ab0f-ac71843eb05f/Tansel+-+blog+2x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Capturing the Art of a Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/finding-a-needle-in-a-haystack-the-john-maggard-rifle monthly 0.5 2025-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/541ad71c-7e4e-4c48-8514-fb4883036273/MT%237-1c+Maggard-full-blog.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Finding a Needle in a Haystack, the John Maggard Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: A full-length view of the Maggard rifle shows its walnut stock and forged iron mountings with Tennessee influences in the butt plate’s long top extension and the guard’s straight grip rail with curled rear spur. The hand-forged barrel is swamped, or expanded, at the breech and muzzle. While not a “poor boy” type rifle due to its full butt plate, the rifle lacks a rear ramrod pipe and nose cap. The rear sight sits several inches behind the ramrod’s rear entry point, farther back than expected, but the barrel appears to be full original length. Barrel: length 45-5/16 inches, .50 caliber bore, 7-groove rifling. Author’s collection, photos by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9ab38764-6182-4819-a347-24cf35b4b13a/MT%237-1d+Maggard-signature.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Finding a Needle in a Haystack, the John Maggard Rifle © - Figure No.2: The Maggard rifle’s most important feature is its barrel signature, engraved as “J * Maggard” in block letters, a style used on other Mountain Rifles from Kentucky and Tennessee. It was/is the first documented “Maggard” signature known to the author after years of networking and searching for a signed John Maggard rifle. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/800000b9-daa8-4016-a753-60ddec067289/MT%237-1a+Maggard-front-blog.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Finding a Needle in a Haystack, the John Maggard Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The Maggard rifle is stocked in walnut with a mix of Kentucky and Tennessee details. Butt height and profile suggest a Kentucky gun, while the oversized side facings [ring of wood around the lock] and trigger guard profile suggest a Tennessee gun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/40884040-5fdd-4de5-aedf-8bdea0039ac5/MT%237-1b+Maggrd-back-blogjpg.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Finding a Needle in a Haystack, the John Maggard Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The rifle’s back side has a typical Kentucky style butt and cheekpiece, rather than the longer Tennessee style cheekpiece with two angled molding lines. The gun’s simplicity is evident in its lack of molding lines and lock bolt washer. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/kentuckys-hawken-style-plains-rifle monthly 0.5 2025-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c42d4546-f242-48a6-8104-20ec7cad1abb/LV%231-10c+Griffith+plains+full+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s “Hawken” Rifles by Louisville Gunsmith Joseph Griffith © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: Joseph Griffith made half-stocked plains rifles in the mid-1850s for the western trade. Easterners travelling west on the Ohio River stopped at Louisville and often purchased supplies including new rifles. While not an exact copy of a St. Louis Hawken rifle, Griffith’s half-stocked rifles were double-keyed, iron mounted, and large bored like a Hawken rifle, workmanship was equivalent, and overall appearance rather similar. Barrel: 37 inches long with .55 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photos by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/981890b1-d4dd-4887-8d14-8b8049f0b40a/LV%231-10a+Griffith+plains+front+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s “Hawken” Rifles by Louisville Gunsmith Joseph Griffith © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The Griffith plains rifle has figured walnut in its butt stock and iron mountings including the guard, butt plate, toe plate, and . The gun has both open and peep sights for short- and long-range shooting. Oval barrel key inlays resemble those on Hawken rifles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/efe545dc-a379-4840-898c-657efffdf352/LV%231-10b+Griff%E2%81%ADith+plains+rear+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s “Hawken” Rifles by Louisville Gunsmith Joseph Griffith © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The back of the Louisville plains rifle has a patent breech and oval cheekpiece, much like a Hawken rifle. The cheek area shows its attractive figured walnut stock wood. Clean, triangular butt lines were common on Kentucky guns, as well as on Hawken rifles. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/the-asbillasbell-family-guns-can-a-rifle-really-be-dated-by-its-appearance monthly 0.5 2025-01-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/da4a0fb4-f836-4c50-bd6b-9707a4faab9e/filler+p30+full+length+blog.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Can Kentucky’s Asbill/Asbell Guns be Dated by Their Appearance? © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This rifle by William H. Asbill has typical Asbill family stock architecture with its tall, triangular butt, graceful wrist, and slim forestock with long barrel. The guard style was widely used from the 1840s until after the Civil War. A Kentucky-style forestock has its nose cap placed several inches past the rear ramrod pipe. The rear sight sits well behind the rear ramrod pipe, hinting at a shortened barrel on the breech end, but here the spacing between ramrod pipes is about the same and indicates the barrel is full original length. Better guns from Kentucky’s wealthier areas usually had their rear sights set above the rear pipe, but Kentucky’s more rural guns often had the rear sight moved farther back as on this rifle. Double keys [pins] were used on the forestock with their elongated inlays attached with small wood screws. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7ba3cb48-2f71-4491-a195-c2847be28cd6/filler+p30++front+blog.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Can Kentucky’s Asbill/Asbell Guns be Dated by Their Appearance? © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The front of the William H. Asbill rifle highlights its tall, triangular butt and tight side facings around the lock, both Kentucky details. A long, two-screw tang common to most Kentucky guns is barely visible on the top of the wrist. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c7b6a1ca-7fe6-402a-8130-81fa14f729b5/filler+p30+rear+blog.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Can Kentucky’s Asbill/Asbell Guns be Dated by Their Appearance? © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The back of the Asbill rifle shows hints of its fine curly maple wood in worn areas at the wrist and forestock, while the rest of the gun retains its darker original finish. A German silver butt inlay provides information on the gunmaker. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/da22ecd6-3e59-4337-b48b-4fbd2db2ff1a/filler+p30+signature.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Can Kentucky’s Asbill/Asbell Guns be Dated by Their Appearance? © Figure No.4: The Asbill rifle has an oval inlay on the butt’s back side inscribed: “Maid By W. H. Asill (sic) * Winston, Estill * Co. * KY * 1882 * in small hand-stamped capital letters. The gun was made by William H. Asbill at Winston in Estill County, Kentucky, in 1882. While stock architecture and the general appearance of the rifle suggest an earlier date, the screws used to attach the butt inlay hint at its later date. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/a-barrens-school-rifle-by-william-stephens-of-butler-county-kentucky monthly 0.5 2025-03-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/fcc89b13-4c48-45af-ad94-bd18be3674bc/KY-Stephens+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - William Stephens’ Rifle puts Butler County into the Barrens School © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The “Wm Stephens” signed rifle is nicely stocked in curly maple with Kentucky features that include double spurred guard with oval bow, triangular butt, and rectangular extension coming off the percussion drum or side lug. The gun follows the pattern of most Barrens School rifles with its quality stocking that lacks decorative details such as inlays, engraving, molding lines, and carving. Even the location of the rear sight, a few inches behind the rear ramrod pipe instead of directly over it, is typical of most Barrens School rifles. The Stephens rifle verifies that Butler County guns are stylistically part of the Barrens School of gunmaking. Barrel: 41-1/2 inches long with .40 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photos by Author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f7aa5952-1614-49b7-9fa5-423eb39f509b/KY-Stephens+name.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - William Stephens’ Rifle puts Butler County into the Barrens School © - Figure No.2: The William Stephens rifle is signed twice on both the barrel and lock plate with the same stamp. The slightly worn “s” at the end of the name stamp is identical to another stamped half-stocked Stephens rifle, but here the stamp is a little sharper since the full-stocked gun is earlier. Author’s collection, photo by Author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f6947b51-deae-4e79-a6cd-de1ac939e293/KY-Stephens+front+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - William Stephens’ Rifle puts Butler County into the Barrens School © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The Stephens rifle has Kentucky’s typical triangular butt and nice ovality in the guard’s bow. While hard to see here, the lock is stamped “Wm Stephens” similar to the barrel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a399cd5b-2647-4ced-b739-744ea572ebf1/KY-Stephens+back+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - William Stephens’ Rifle puts Butler County into the Barrens School © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The back side of the rifle has a neatly shaped later style oval or “beaver tail” cheekpiece and small brass lock bolt washer. Stephens’ side facings were pointed at the rear and rounded in front. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/kentuckys-most-notorious-gunsmith-john-shell-of-leslie-county monthly 0.5 2025-03-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a1163ed2-fcc1-4361-9f84-f3e15fdb6ce7/MT%237-2c+Shell+full+length+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Most Notorious Gunsmith, John Shell of Leslie County © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: Shell’s best-known gun is a long barreled, full-stocked rifle made in typical mountain rifle style. Stocking is simple, mountings are hand-forged iron, and no decorative elements were used… no inlays, molding lines, or decorative carving. The barrel shows hammer marks from forging and has a slight swell or “swamp” toward the muzzle. Barrel: 46-5/16 inches with .36 caliber bore. Author’s collection, gun photos by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ceb8e5c9-2f3e-40c9-982a-7ab114fef693/Fig+3+farm.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Most Notorious Gunsmith, John Shell of Leslie County © - Figure No.2: John Shell’s farm in Leslie County, Kentucky, around 1900. Shell owned 300 acres of mostly hilly land of little value, leaving only a few acres that he could farm. His blacksmith shop was under a rock overhang on the hillside above the house. Photo courtesy Leslie County Library. ********************** Figure No.3: Shell is standing on his front porch around 1920 when he was a national celebrity for claiming to be over 130 years old. His receding hair, gaunt face, and thin stature supported the claim. Photo courtesy Leslie County Library. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/256dbc29-c5ae-48ea-b97b-065f74f32ac8/Fig+2+Shell+porch.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Most Notorious Gunsmith, John Shell of Leslie County © https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/53b7ba76-a4e9-4787-bd2d-56537502951c/Shell+front+half+-+edit.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Most Notorious Gunsmith, John Shell of Leslie County © - Make it stand out Figure No. 4: A front view of Shell’s best-known rifle shows its simple, two-piece iron guard and iron butt plate, both hand-forged by Shell. The percussion lock also appears handmade by Shell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2219ef1b-ed52-4efd-8994-0196105e7501/Shell+back+half+-+edit.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Most Notorious Gunsmith, John Shell of Leslie County © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The back of Shell’s rifle exudes simplicity with its lack of a cheekpiece and no washer under the lock bolt. The long tang has two screws with visible heads, but oddly there is no tang bolt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/98d98567-fc2c-46c3-bb5b-36b05803a514/MT%237-2d+Shell+signature+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Most Notorious Gunsmith, John Shell of Leslie County © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The barrel inscription on Shell’s rifle is worn but readable as: “No 35 * 1870 * J S * $16 ***. Shell was illiterate according to census data, but his several known barrel signatures/inscriptions indicate a cursory knowledge of letters and numbers. The lengthy inscription, a rare detail on early rifles, suggests full-stocked rifles were still preferred in southeastern Kentucky as late as 1870. The price of $16 seems a little optimistic in a cash poor, backwoods area of Kentucky where barter was the usual method of payment; it may reflect the gunsmith’s pride more than the actual price. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/088a1336-6d4b-4da4-a466-326999c43ecc/Fig+15+Shell+Sandlin.JPG Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Most Notorious Gunsmith, John Shell of Leslie County © - Figure No.6: This rare photograph of John Shell [the small, bare-headed man in the middle] is from his 1918-1921 years when exhibited at county and state fairs as the oldest living man in the world. Two local Leslie County, Kentucky, businessmen promoted him, took care of him, paid expenses, and handled finances. This image was taken at the Bluegrass Fair in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1919. Courtesy Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort, KY, C. Frank Dunn Photograph Collection. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/a-rare-kentucky-under-hammer-rifle-by-gunsmith-george-a-mayer-1 monthly 0.5 2025-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a438cec5-26f0-4120-a4da-3ceb6029d586/Mayer+signature.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Kentucky Under-Hammer Rifle by Gunsmith George A. Mayer © - Figure No.1: The newly discovered under-hammer rifle is marked “G. A. Mayer” for gunsmith George A. Mayer of Henderson County, Kentucky. The mark is important because the author has never seen another signed example of his work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/de22b7d6-de23-41c7-8841-a027bcb1b3ed/Mayer+GA+KY+gunsmith.jpeg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Kentucky Under-Hammer Rifle by Gunsmith George A. Mayer © - Figure No.2: Kentucky gunmaker George A. Mayer was a German immigrant and gunsmith who settled at Henderson in Henderson County, Kentucky, in 1835 and built a prosperous business as a gunsmith and hardware dealer. He was known to be meticulous in his work, honest in his business dealings, and dedicated to giving full satisfaction to his customers. He retired from gunsmithing in 1880 as a wealthy and prominent citizen of Henderson. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c12fbcc5-34bd-463e-884d-de4b9aca0209/Mayer+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Kentucky Under-Hammer Rifle by Gunsmith George A. Mayer © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: A full-length view of Mayer’s under-hammer rifle shows its triangular butt made from fine curly maple wood. Despite being an under-hammer, the gun retains much of the look of a conventional Kentucky percussion rifle… except for the obvious lack of a trigger guard. Barrel: 35-1/2 inches long with .38 caliber bore and rare 8-groove rifling. Author’s collection, photo by Author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/4e86039d-72f8-4be4-a5ff-11567c0609ca/Mayer+back+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Kentucky Under-Hammer Rifle by Gunsmith George A. Mayer © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The reverse of the under-hammer rifle shows its fine curly maple stock with round cheekpiece, dog inlay, and raised side-facings in the wrist area behind the barrel. Butt architecture is the typical crisp triangular shape found on most Kentucky guns. The butt curvature, remnants of side-facing panels and high, well-shaped cheekpiece suggest the under-hammer rifle dates to the early-to-mid 1840s. Author’s collection, photo by Author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c547686d-98a0-4177-8971-b10046dcb0d6/Mayer+hammer+catch.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Kentucky Under-Hammer Rifle by Gunsmith George A. Mayer © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The firing mechanism is simple, with a notch in the base of the hammer that catches the trigger extension when cocked. The trigger is pulled out of the notch when fired, dropping the hammer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/84f5d4fc-cd2d-4c6a-bb32-158099b7ae0f/Mayer+dog+inlay.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Kentucky Under-Hammer Rifle by Gunsmith George A. Mayer © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The cheekpiece inlay on the Mayer rifle is well-done in German silver and nicely detailed with several piercings. The dog figure suggests the gun was a sporting and small game rifle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/eac78315-50d5-4015-9e25-81e0ac311467/Mayer+toe+plate.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rare Kentucky Under-Hammer Rifle by Gunsmith George A. Mayer © - Figure No.7: Both the toe plate and trigger plate have matching lobed finials, as seen here on the toe plate. The gun is not heavily decorated, but its several artistic details and fine construction make it an above-average rifle despite being an under-hammer. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/kentucky-gunsmith-william-kelsay-and-the-william-kelsay-rifle monthly 0.5 2024-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/4d5dc8d4-0f9d-4827-b13f-70d0bab5ea0b/CM%239-1c+Kelsay+full+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunsmith William Kelsay and the “William Kelsay” Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The "William Kelsay" signed rifle is stocked in fine curly maple with great stock architecture and several unexpected decorative elements for a southern Kentucky gun. The attractive patchbox with four-petal flower finial is perhaps unique, and incise carving decorates the wrist, tang, and rear pipe. Double-line forestock molding extends out from an incised volute at the rear ramrod pipe. The gun's single pinned trigger, flat butt plate, and guard with high finger rail are details often associated with earlier rifles. Barrel: 45-1/2 inches long with .50 caliber bore and 7-groove rifling. Author's collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/6bcd5fb2-4ded-4586-bf69-75a0f7433c38/CM%239-1d+Kelsay+signature+%283%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunsmith William Kelsay and the “William Kelsay” Rifle © - Figure No.2: The Kelsay rifle is signed in script with the gunsmith’s full name, “William Kelsay.” The “Kelsay” name with an “a” rather than “Kelsey” with an “e” helps identifies the gunsmith’s lineage in Tennessee and Kentucky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8268d0d8-bb77-48df-b78b-39a553a59011/CM%239-1a+Kelsay+front+xjpg.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunsmith William Kelsay and the “William Kelsay” Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The front of the Kelsay rifle exhibits unexpected embellishments that include its large patchbox with four-petal flower finial and simple engraving, incise carving, and a "tear drop" tail on the side-facing. The flat butt plate, single trigger, and simple guard with a high grip rail are often associated with earlier rifles. Author's collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/73914724-1612-4754-bc43-aa3327a46994/CM%239-1b+Kelsay+back+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunsmith William Kelsay and the “William Kelsay” Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The reverse of the Kelsay rifle has incise carving in the wrist area and cheekpiece and a large lock-bolt plate with two bolts indicative of a flintlock rifle. Stock wood is highly figured southern red maple and the simple cheekpiece has a single molding line, all common to rifles made in Kentucky. Author's collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9c5ca47c-16fe-4762-b1be-bf49c2971552/CM%239-1e+tang+carving+x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunsmith William Kelsay and the “William Kelsay” Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The Kelsay rifle's tang is surrounded with attractive incise carving, an unexpected detail on a Kentucky gun. The short tang suggests an earlier gun, while the tang's finial is common to better Kentucky guns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8e59023b-f76f-4795-9aed-c35a9c6a8004/CM%239-1f+rear+pipe+carving+xjpg.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunsmith William Kelsay and the “William Kelsay” Rifle © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: Entry pipe carving and forestock molding lines were used by most of Kentucky's major schools of gunmaking such as the Lexington, Ohio River, and Bardstown Schools. Note the two-piece ramrod pipe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/da31e712-7b13-421a-8802-afe86c7cfca0/Kelsay+image.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky Gunsmith William Kelsay and the “William Kelsay” Rifle © - Figure No.7: This is gunmaker William Kelsay of Wayne County, Kentucky, and later Ray County, Missouri, and Lake County, California. Kelsay was born, raised, and trained as a gunsmith in Greene County, Tennessee. He then moved to Wayne County, Kentucky, where he worked from about 1816 until 1851. In 1851, accompanied by other family members, he moved to Ray County, Missouri, where he worked for about ten years. In 1861 with other Kelsay family members, he moved west to his final destination of Kelseyville in Lake County, California, where many relatives were already living. He worked as a gunsmith there, despite his age, and died in 1878. This image dates to his California days. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/an-english-import-pistol-sold-be-moses-dickson-in-louisville-kentucky monthly 0.5 2024-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7687de86-fc24-4e55-a4ce-2f32d5bb1ecc/Dickson+pistol+front.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An English Pistol Sold by Moses Dickson of Louisville, Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: Dickson's imported English pistol has a box lock with internal components and a screw-barrel where the threaded barrel screws off and on for loading, with the help of a small wrench now missing. Both barrel and breech block are cast brass to reduce costs. The breech block's front panel is engraved with "LOUISVILLE" in small capital letters, added by Dickson after the pistol's arrival. Author's collection, photos by Author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/00f9b634-2fe8-495a-9fac-5752e1c5b874/Dickson+pistol+back.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An English Pistol Sold by Moses Dickson of Louisville, Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The pistol's back side highlights its engraving, done by the exporter in a simple style with an open diagonal space for the purchaser to add his name and/or location. The open space on this pistol is engraved with "M. Dickson," documenting both the seller and the gun's quality as sufficient to carry his name. Length 6-7/8 inches, barrel section 2-3/8 inches, bore .44 caliber and smooth. Author's collection, photos by Author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/0816944a-a46e-44e2-9636-80b53c1d8e8b/Dickson+pistol+proofs+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An English Pistol Sold by Moses Dickson of Louisville, Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: This image shows the bottom of the barrel at the joint where it meets the frame. The small, elongated "bump" allowed a wrench to turn the barrel, and three Birmingham proof marks are present. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/0d25a992-e512-4cfc-b58f-b889c36b3eb2/Dickson+pistol+tang+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An English Pistol Sold by Moses Dickson of Louisville, Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The pistol was engraved using simple, easily cut patterns before being shipped. The design on the short backstrap is the most attractive engraving on the gun and may be Dickson's work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/da566871-c10f-4f5c-a84b-85140453693b/Dickson+pistol+Louisville+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An English Pistol Sold by Moses Dickson of Louisville, Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The front side of Dickson's imported pistol has "Louisville" engraved across its face, done by Dickson after receiving the pistol and cut with a finer graver than the courser "factory" engraving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2959545e-e24b-4813-9669-3539101a821e/Dickson+pistol+Dickson+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An English Pistol Sold by Moses Dickson of Louisville, Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The back side of the pistol's frame has the same engraved border pattern as the front side, but the diagonal opening is engraved with "M. Dickson," indicating he warranted the gun's quality. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/kentuckys-bryan-gunsmiths-and-their-lexington-style-patchbox monthly 0.5 2024-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f46b43e8-218c-44ab-9311-bf479a8d4aef/LX%232-3c+L+Bryan+full+view+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Bryan Gunsmiths and Their Lexington Style Patchbox © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This Bryan rifle is signed "L. Bryan" on a silver barrel plate and was made by Lewis Bryan about 1812. The original owner's name, "C. Hazelrigg" for Charles Hazelrigg, appears on the silver overlay on the patchbox lid. A family provenance states the rifle was used in the War of 1812, and Kentucky records verify Hazelrigg served in the Kentucky Mounted Militia in 1813. The barrel has been shortened at the muzzle by a professional gunsmith early in the gun's life, perhaps to make it easier to carry on horseback. Author's collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/49a9bddd-aeb2-44fc-b390-8c5aa4a22f96/LX%232-2a+L%26W+patchbox.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Bryan Gunsmiths and Their Lexington Style Patchbox © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: Pre-War of 1812 Bryan rifles had patchboxes with a larger finial where the inside "petal" at the finial tip touched the base. This rifle is signed "L. & W. Bryan" and was made a few years before the War of 1812. Courtesy M. Hankla. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a5282ead-6936-4d84-8a09-316042fe966a/LX%232-3a+L+Bryan+patchbox.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Bryan Gunsmiths and Their Lexington Style Patchbox © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The patchbox from the "L. Bryan" signed rifle has a later post-War of 1812 patchbox where the finial's smaller inner "petal" does not touch the piercing's base. Note the stylish "fish tail" inside the finial. Author's collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/239eefa4-d3a1-450a-8b1b-fbda6f829641/LX%232-6a+Bryan+barrel+signature.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Bryan Gunsmiths and Their Lexington Style Patchbox © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: This is one of two known Daniel Bryan barrel signatures. Both signed barrels were found on period restocked rifles. This barrel includes the original owner's name, "J. Atchison." John Atchison was a well-to-do Lexington business owner around 1810. An owner's name on the barrel plate implies the original rifle did not have a patchbox, otherwise the owner's name would be on the patchbox lid. Author's collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/175cce0c-8566-4652-bda5-607e5b836b3c/BryanDaniel+patchbox.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Bryan Gunsmiths and Their Lexington Style Patchbox © - Figure No.5: This is the only known patchbox by gunsmith Daniel Bryan, mounted on a period restocked rifle along with much of the original Bryan hardware. The guard, with a double-tipped rear spur, is a later style used during the restocking. The replaced stock retains the triangular Lexington style, but was probably done about twenty years after the original rifle was made. Both the style of the replacement guard, as well as the rifle’s provenance, strongly suggest the gun was restocked by local gunsmith John Renick. The restocked gun was made in percussion, helping establish the time interval between the original gun and its restocking. Courtesy J. Caudill, photo by Author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c6d0c501-1fed-4680-aca6-ed9d1f4581f7/LX%232-2c+L%26W+full+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Bryan Gunsmiths and Their Lexington Style Patchbox © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: Full length view of the "L. & W. Bryan" signed rifle with the earlier large finial patchbox, indicating the gun was made before the War of 1812. The rifle exhibits the Bryans' typical stock architecture with triangular butt, four ramrod pipes, upward sloping guard with heavy front post, and small oval inlays at forestock wedge locations. Courtesy M. Hankla. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/bdab5970-8258-446a-9e1e-680a53b3e4fe/LX%232-3c+L+Bryan+full+view+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Bryan Gunsmiths and Their Lexington Style Patchbox © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: The "L. Bryan" signed rifle has the later, smaller finial patchbox. This rifle was professionally shortened on the muzzle end by a gunsmith during its working years [only three ramrod pipes instead of four], perhaps for use on horseback. Its original owner, Charles Hazelrigg, served with the Kentucky Mounted Militia during the War of 1812. Author's collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/299f39b9-cf64-4e0f-a409-ee7b10bf6a86/LX%232-5c+WT+Bryan+full+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Bryan Gunsmiths and Their Lexington Style Patchbox © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: This rifle is signed "W. T. Bryan" for William Turner Bryan, younger brother of Lewis Bryan. It is slightly later than the Lewis Bryan rifle above based on the smaller "fish tail" detail at the base of the finial's piercing. The original owner's name, "C. Rodes," is engraved on the oval silver plate on the patchbox lid. Author's collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/unraveling-the-mystery-of-a-great-tansel-powder-horn monthly 0.5 2024-09-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9618c715-bf25-46b7-a7e2-aacd079beab9/TAN-IA+front2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Unraveling the Mystery of a Great Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This Tansel powder horn has survived in above-average condition for over 200 years. A “military” style eagle and rampant lion help date the horn to a few years before the War of 1812 from about 1808 to 1810. Carving is well executed and shows minimal wear with only a small area of bag wear on the back side. An original horn ring remains behind the plug to hide the plug nails, along with an original applied spout tip with the Tansels’ barrel-style bead. No metal pin holds the spout tip in place, suggesting some type of early adhesive may have been used. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f8a8d9c7-9956-4bab-854d-c43abf11d80b/TAN-IA+bottom.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Unraveling the Mystery of a Great Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The bottom of the Tansel horn is decorated with Francis Tansel’s “standard” swan and wolf figures in round and oval cartouches, respectively. Also visible is the rectangular cartouche behind the butt plug intended for either the carver’s or owner’s name, but it was left blank. The dotted borders on several cartouches help nudge the horn’s date toward 1809 or 1810. Author’s collection, photos by Author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d945c8f4-4951-49d8-8032-1b732a684aa6/TAN-IA+back.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Unraveling the Mystery of a Great Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The back side of the Tansel powder horn has the scratched name “W. Rawlins” near the fish-mouth and larger, lightly carved block letter initials “W R” above the swan cartouche. The name/initials are those of the horn’s third owner, William Rawlins, who acquired the horn after the deaths of his father, John Rawlins Sr., in 1851 and his older brother, John Rawlins Jr., in 1852. The plug’s original horn button for strap attachment has survived intact despite its chipped edges. Dimensions: outer curve 13-1/2,” inner curve 11,” basal ring diameter 2-5/8.” Author’s collection, photos by Author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d027b271-4ed6-4ce2-aa88-b5296a848217/TAN-IA+top.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Unraveling the Mystery of a Great Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The top of the Tansel horn is intricately carved with an attractive fish-mouth border, two large “S” scrolls with their free ends terminated with small federal shields, and a man-in-the-moon figure near the plug. An unexpected feature is the placement of the lobes formed by the fish-mouth cuts. Most Tansel horns have their lobes on the front and back sides to maximize the front side’s carving surface, but this horn’s fish-mouth cuts are centered on the front and back sides, pushing the lobes to the top and bottom of the horn and reducing the amount of available carving surface on the horn’s front side where the eagle normally appears. Author’s collection, photo by Author. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/the-graham-family-powder-horn-from-franklin-county-kentucky monthly 0.5 2024-08-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/97e5e0ec-9e08-4420-a948-b4bee32d6362/Graham+horn-full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Graham Family Powder Horn from Franklin County, Kentucky © Figure No.1: This horn was discovered in Franklin County, Kentucky, with a local family history. Its chip-carved plug resembles the fine plugs on York County, Pennsylvania, powder horns. The plug’s integral button is reduced in size from being chipped, and the carved spout has a significant crack, but the horn remains an intriguing relic from Kentucky. Outside curve 13-1/4,” inside curve 11-1/4,” basal diameter 2-1/2.” Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2a28cac8-2d14-426b-bc28-741682fcfe4f/Graham+horn+plug+a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Graham Family Powder Horn from Franklin County, Kentucky © - Figure No.2: The Graham family horn has a chip-carved butt plug that resembles a York County [PA] plug. However, York horns used an iron staple in the plug nose instead of an integral button. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/0c89f1f8-348a-49a4-a93b-473541384651/Graham+horn+spout+c.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Graham Family Powder Horn from Franklin County, Kentucky © - Figure No.3: Both the spout and strap retaining ring are nicely shaped and detailed, but they do not resemble York horn spouts and are more closely related to better Kentucky spouts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1eb0b2d6-4b7b-490e-81f4-362aa711ffbb/Graham+horn+poly+spots+.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Graham Family Powder Horn from Franklin County, Kentucky © - Figure No.4: The Graham family’s horn has a small band of brown polychrome dots around its large end. The dots are faint but several are visible in this image. They may have been added to make the plug nails less conspicuous. Such a limited use of dots without additional polychroming is unexpected. More polychroming may have once existed, but the horn appears to have been cleaned years ago, perhaps removing traces of other decoration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/cb6ceec1-e97f-49fe-9513-cb687c3b8b84/Graham+horn+spots.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Graham Family Powder Horn from Franklin County, Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The Graham family horn has small scars [brown dots] running horizontally across its face in a shallow “M” pattern from five old brass tacks that decorated the horn at one time. Today the scars are filled and show slight traces of the tack heads around the scars; the faint circles are most prominent on the upper two scars. A small, irregular dark spot a couple inches behind the plug is a “bug bite,” not a tack scar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/fdac1a1f-287b-47d4-a7ee-990fb7f58599/Graham+horn+LaMaster+butt+a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Graham Family Powder Horn from Franklin County, Kentucky © - Figure No.6a: This walnut butt plug strongly resembles the plug on the Graham family horn with its integral nose button, slightly raised platform around the button’s base, similar chip-carved pattern around the nose, and decorative incised lines, The plug lacks a lower ring of chip carving around the plug’s base, but the overall resemblance is strong. Courtesy LaMaster Arms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/dbc2d885-a5c0-4f90-b31c-5edcbe7f37e0/Graham+horn+Lamaster+full+a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Graham Family Powder Horn from Franklin County, Kentucky © - Figure No.6b: A full-length view of the second horn with York-related butt plug shows its strap retaining ring, here an applied ring pinned to the spout. The spout probably had insufficient thickness for carving a raised ring on this horn. Note: The applied strap ring is a modern replacement and may not accurately depict the original ring. This horn is similar in size to the first horn, suggesting they were made in the late flint to early percussion era. Courtesy LaMaster Arms. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/david-weller-of-the-rizer-amp-weller-partnership monthly 0.5 2025-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/72d48cc7-28bf-4411-a2ee-7374c0eba881/Bd%233-2c-Weller-fullxxx.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - David Weller’s Role in the Bardstown Rifle © - Figure No.1a: David Weller’s finest known rifle is signed in script on a silver barrel plate, “D * Weller.” It was made about 1826-1828 during Weller’s post-partnership years at Elizabethtown in Hardin County, Kentucky. The gun has Weller’s typical Bardstown style patchbox and fish inlay near the first barrel wedge. His patchbox finial has a deeper piercing than Rizer’s, running almost to its base. The finial’s tip was also simpler, seen here as a small ball with pointed tip. Barrel: 44-1/2 inches long, .36 caliber bore, 6-groove rifling. Author’s collection. Figure No.1a: David Weller’s finest known rifle is signed in script on a silver barrel plate, “D * Weller.” It was made about 1826-1828 during Weller’s post-partnership years at Elizabethtown in Hardin County, Kentucky. The gun has Weller’s typical Bardstown style patchbox and fish inlay near the first barrel wedge. His patchbox finial has a deeper piercing than Rizer’s, running almost to its base. The finial’s tip was also simpler, seen here as a small ball with pointed tip. Barrel: 44-1/2 inches long, .36 caliber bore, 6-groove rifling. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/99a0e0ce-e4ec-4dd8-a638-69da8eb9089e/Bd%233-2a+Weller-Front+half+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - David Weller’s Role in the Bardstown Rifle © - Figure No.1b: The patchbox on Weller’s best-known rifle has his typical deeply pierced finial with simple tip and his vine engraving on the lid. Weller’s forestock inlays were purely decorative, being located between barrel wedges rather than at the wedges. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/0dd52d51-73f9-411a-a8f0-c9fb030004fc/Bd%233-2b+Weller-back+half3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - David Weller’s Role in the Bardstown Rifle © - Figure No.1c: The back of Weller’s rifle has a typical Bardstown 8-pointed hunter’s star in the cheekpiece. His cheek has a single molding line at the bottom, while Rizer’s cheek had a flattened lower edge that was cross-hatched. Author’s collection, photos by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/af44f8ac-d17b-4ae7-85f1-364e738ba584/BD%233-10a+WellerC+front2.JPG Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - David Weller’s Role in the Bardstown Rifle © - Figure No.2a: Only one signed rifle by David Weller’s brother Charles is known. He was apprenticed to Weller from 1816 to 1821. While mounted as a “poor boy” rifle, it has a typical Bardstown swamped barrel. Barrel: 44-7/8 inches long with .34 caliber bore. Courtesy S. Gorham. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/eceffc4d-7a30-42cb-99be-9df375ea71ff/BD%233-10b+WellerC+rear2.JPG Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - David Weller’s Role in the Bardstown Rifle © - Figure No.2b: The reverse of the Charles Weller rifle has a simple cheek with single molding line, similar to older brother David’s work. The side facing has an open front bolt hole, indicating the gun was originally a flintlock. Courtesy S. Gorham, photos by Author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/40df3fa7-6e4d-4d50-93dd-cce2a5844a6f/Bard+Dav+front+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - David Weller’s Role in the Bardstown Rifle © - Figure No.3a: This fine Bardstown rifle was made by Weller’s Elizabethtown apprentice, Benjamin A. Davenport, who finished his training in 1832 and moved to nearby Lebanon in Marion County to work. Barrel: 44-1/2 inches, .32 caliber bore. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8b510e86-2cfb-44ea-938d-46446bcbc99f/Bard+Dav+rear+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - David Weller’s Role in the Bardstown Rifle © - Figure No.3b: The reverse of the signed “B. A. Davenport” rifle has a typical Bardstown side plate and 8-pointed hunter’s star in the cheek. The star has thicker, slightly rounded horizontal rays and modified engraving. A typical Bardstown chip-carved border runs along the butt plate edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/38b2ed3b-c0de-42d7-91a8-ec67570428b4/BD%233-7a+Killen+front+KY+a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - David Weller’s Role in the Bardstown Rifle © - Figure No.4a: This Bardstown rifle was made by Henry Killen, Rizer’s apprentice from 1818 t0 1825. Killen worked at Elizabethtown in Hardin County for a few years before moving to Tennessee in 1828. The patchbox shows strong Weller influences in its finial. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8bdfad61-e08d-4b09-9480-c876e74e7b28/BD%233-7b+Killen+rear+KY+aa.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - David Weller’s Role in the Bardstown Rifle © - Figure No.4b: The reverse of the Killen rifle has Rizer’s flattened cheek with Weller’s molding line. Despite a single lock bolt, it was originally a flintlock based on a vent pick hole in the butt’s toe. Barrel: 46 inches long, .40 caliber bore. Author’s collection. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/kentuckys-finest-gunmaker-jacob-rizer-of-bardstownnbsp monthly 0.5 2024-08-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/dbeaf0aa-6deb-4435-bb8e-8b46126a856c/BD%233-13+Rizer+IL+name+x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Gunmaker, Jacob Rizer of Bardstown © &nbsp; - Figure No.1: Rizer’s signature remained consistent throughout his career with one small exception. On percussion rifles, the script “z” in “Rizer” had its dangling tail removed, making it look more like an “r” than a “z.” This signature is from rifle No.4. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f5774689-99c3-4611-a260-1d56a276de18/Bd%233-1c+R%26W-Full+length+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Gunmaker, Jacob Rizer of Bardstown © &nbsp; - Figure No.1a: This fully developed circa 1820 Bardstown rifle is signed “Rizer & Weller” and has their first style patchbox. Despite a dual signature, the gun was made by Rizer. It has his engraving style, patchbox with shallower finial piercing, flattened and cross-hatched lower edge of cheekpiece , and rear pipe made from a single piece of brass and lightly engraved. The typical Bardstown guard has a rounded bow pinched in at the front, and a rear spur flattened on its outer edge. Barrel: 45-5/8 inches, originally 46-5/8 inches, .36 caliber bore, 6-groove rifling. Author’s collection, photos by J. Jaeger. Figure No.2: This circa 1820 Bardstown rifle is signed “Rizer & Weller” and has their first style patchbox. Despite a joint signature [1], the gun was made by Rizer based on having his engraving style, patchbox shape, cheekpiece with cross-hatched lower edge, and rear pipe made from a single piece of brass with engraving. Barrel: 45-5/8 inches, originally 46-5/8 inches, .36 caliber bore, 6-groove rifling. Author’s collection, photos by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3c968e1e-bffb-4469-9f97-6cff61a48299/Bd%233-1a+R%26W-front+half+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Gunmaker, Jacob Rizer of Bardstown © &nbsp; - Fig. No.2a: The “Rizer & Weller rifle full-stocked rifle has the most commonly seen first style or traditional patchbox. This patchbox was made by Rizer based on having Rizer’s finial shape, engraved arcs above/below hinge, and looser style wavy-line borders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e5c7281b-d01e-448d-98ea-25670784638a/Bd%233-1b+R%26W-back+half+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Gunmaker, Jacob Rizer of Bardstown © &nbsp; - Figure No.2b: The reverse of the “Rizer & Weller” rifle has a typical Bardstown sideplate with serpentine borders and a larger wavy line running through its center. Rizer’s “trademark” “swag & tassel” border runs along butt plate’s vertical edge, and the lower cheek is flattened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/5a68f6ac-7ec3-4b8d-9d6a-308be1512c1f/BD%233-12+front+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Gunmaker, Jacob Rizer of Bardstown © &nbsp; - Figure No.3a: This full-stocked rifle is signed “J. Rizer,” dated “1835,” and has a second style Bardstown patchbox. The patchbox side leaves now have a small, rounded step or bump in the corner of their rear piercing, and the patchbox lid engraving is the “jumbled foliage” style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/93802601-ed79-45e1-a33f-56e19afd3794/BD%233-12+rear.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Gunmaker, Jacob Rizer of Bardstown © &nbsp; - Figure No.3b: The reverse of the 1835 “J. Rizer” Bardstown rifle illustrates three significant changes from earlier Jacob Rizer guns: 1) the cheekpiece is now a rounded “beaver tail” style; 2) the guard’s rear spur curves forward; and 3) the sideplate has a more linear, generic shape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/cdd7fd6c-77da-4ce8-82f7-3e3c9c980fce/BD%233-5a+J%26M-front+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Gunmaker, Jacob Rizer of Bardstown © &nbsp; - Figure No.4a: The patchbox on the half-stocked “1837” rifle by Jacob and Matthias Rizer is more heavily pierced and delicate than prior Bardstown patchboxes. The lid’s narrow flats along each long edge with a raised mid-section can just barely be seen. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1442a8b9-6205-47a8-ad14-5e3fe6e3423d/BD%233-5b+J%26M-back+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Gunmaker, Jacob Rizer of Bardstown © &nbsp; - Figure No.4b: The reverse of the “1837” Bardstown rifle has a later double-spurred guard and '“beaver tail” style cheekpiece but retains the traditional Bardstown 8-pointed hunter’s star. The butt plate heel has an iron insert. Barrel: 44-1/2 inches, .44 caliber bore, 7-groove rifling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8767c0b2-9c84-4f02-8c5d-30360e244d88/Rizer+IL+front+half+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Gunmaker, Jacob Rizer of Bardstown © &nbsp; - Figure No.5a: Rizer made a wide range of guns including rifles, fowlers, buck & ball guns, and pistols. This 1840s half-stocked rifle has fine curly maple wood with the grain bending through the wrist for greater strength. Barrel: 46-1/2 inches, .32 caliber bore. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/04ada2d5-be66-4fb7-83ef-483949c15055/Rizer+IL+rear+half+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Gunmaker, Jacob Rizer of Bardstown © &nbsp; - Figure No.5b: Rizer’s half-stocked rifle lacks both wrist and cheekpiece inlays. However, it has fine curly maple stock wood and shows good workmanship in its fit and finish. Rizer’s later percussion guns had wider cheekpieces and used commercial guards and triggers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7ad50049-c976-4d70-be81-8f833a6fc998/BD%233-3a+front+Rizer+pistol+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Gunmaker, Jacob Rizer of Bardstown © &nbsp; - Figure No.5a: This circa 1830 flintlock pistol by Jacob Rizer is well made with a fine maple stock, checkered grip, and coin silver nose/butt caps, backstrap, ramrod tip, and ramrod pipe. The nose cap has Rizer’s distinctive “swag & tassel” border on its rear edge and his “trademark” engraved oval rosette on the tang, belt hook base, and guard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/48ea75dc-fb2d-4715-b422-de746c9eedf4/BD%233-3b+back+Rizer+pistol+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Gunmaker, Jacob Rizer of Bardstown © &nbsp; - Figure No.5b: The back of the Rizer pistol has an unexpected belt hook, and its base is engraved with Rizer’s “trademark” oval rosette and dotted line borders. A short forestock molding line terminates similar to those on his rifles, and a coin silver butt cap has his typical four-petal flower with half-shaded petals. Author’s collection. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/a-tansel-powder-horn-by-stark-and-timothy monthly 0.5 2024-07-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/64d79949-234e-4dee-abae-4232802f0be7/Tansel+horses+eagle+top.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A “Mixed” Powder Horn by Stark and Timothy Tansel © - Figure No.1: The newly discovered Tansel horn has smooth top edges on the eagle’s wings, as opposed to later eagles with a notch between the upper and lower wing sections. A smooth wing helps date the horn to about 1837-1838, based on dated horns with similar eagles. The horn has a nicely turned walnut end-grain plug, typical of Tansel horns made by the carver. At times, pre-existing horns were taken to the Tansels for decorating; those horns often exhibit different types of butt plugs and spouts. Courtesy K. Zimmerman. Figure No.1: The newly discovered Tansel horn has smooth top edges on the eagle’s wings, as opposed to later eagles with a notch between the upper and lower wing sections. A smooth wing helps date the horn to about 1837-1839, based on dated horns with similar eagles. The horn has a nicely turned walnut end-grain plug, typical of Tansel horns made by the carver. At times, pre-existing horns were taken to the Tansels for decorating, and those horns often exhibit different types of butt plugs and spouts. Courtesy K. Zimmerman. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/66e0f0b5-e8ea-4575-8a34-c594cd0defe2/Tansel+horses+eagle2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A “Mixed” Powder Horn by Stark and Timothy Tansel © - Figure No.2: The new horn has a row of small-headed, period brass tacks decorating its base. The eagle is larger than most with highly extended wings, large wing feathers, and strong talons on its feet, all making a strong Tansel statement. The spout is shorter than most on this horn, making the horn’s side panels a little longer than average, probably encouraging Timothy to add the second horse & rider figures. Courtesy K. Zimmerman. Figure No.2: The new horn has a row of small-headed, period brass tacks decorating its base. The eagle is larger than most with highly extended wings, large wing feathers, and strong talons on its feet, all making a strong Tansel statement. The spout is shorter than most on this horn, making the horn’s side panels a little longer than average, probably encouraging Timothy to add the second horse & rider figures. Courtesy K. Zimmerman. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9f00e4d2-ad92-4287-ad62-181a18fec742/Tansel+horses+fishmouth.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A “Mixed” Powder Horn by Stark and Timothy Tansel © - Figure No.3: The horn body looks like the work of Stark Tansel, in large part due to its nicely shaped butt plug and the deep, cleanly cut “V” notches in the fish-mouth. Note how clean the intersection of the two lobes is, with none of the over-cutting often seen in Timothy’s work. The “V” cut also extends far down into the horn body, another Stark detail; Timothy’s fish-mouths were often shallower with less elongated lobes. The zebra-striped horse with cartoonish face and tall rider is visible in this view. Courtesy K. Zimmerman. Figure No.3: The horn body looks like the work of Stark Tansel, in large part due to its nicely shaped butt plug and the deep, cleanly cut “V” notches in the fish-mouth. Note how clean the intersection of the two lobes is, with none of the over-cutting often seen in Timothy’s work. The “V” cut also extends far down into the horn body, another Stark detail; Timothy’s fish-mouths were often shallower with less elongated lobes. The zebra-striped horse with cartoonish face and tall rider is visible in this view. Courtesy K. Zimmerman. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e0d2f6ff-993d-4173-badf-a64a8bb615c8/Tansel+horses+-+horses.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A “Mixed” Powder Horn by Stark and Timothy Tansel © - Figure No.4: The most important images on the new horn are the two horse & rider figures made with contrasting carving styles. The figure on the right has Timothy’s typical zebra-striped shading that darkens the horse’s body, while the horse on the left has Stark’s white body with light shading around the edges. Also significant are the horses’ heads; Timothy’s horse on the right has a cartoonish looking head, while Stark’s horse on the left appears more natural. Stark also used more highly detailed reins, a less exaggerated height to his rider, and while not fully visible, more natural positioning of his horse’s back legs with the closer one extending forward, and the rear one backward. Timothy more often carved both rear legs extending rearward, similar to the back legs on his deer. Courtesy K. Zimmerman. Figure No.4: The most important images on the new horn are the two horse & rider figures made with contrasting carving styles. The figure on the right has Timothy’s typical zebra-striped shading that darkens the horse’s body, while the horse on the left has Stark’s white body with light shading around the edges. Also significant are the horses’ heads; Timothy’s horse on the right has a cartoonish looking head, while Stark’s horse on the left appears more natural. Stark also used more highly detailed reins, a less exaggerated height to his rider, and while not fully visible, more natural positioning of his horse’s back legs with the closer one extending forward, and the rear one backward. Timothy more often carved both rear legs extending rearward, similar to the back legs on his deer. Courtesy K. Zimmerman. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/the-most-sought-after-tansel-horn-the-tansel-cup monthly 0.5 2024-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e2721f8c-084b-4c6e-af55-920246957e4d/Tansel+cup+T3x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Most Sought After Tansel Horn, The Tansel Cup © - Figure No.1a: This Tansel cup has typical figures that appear on most Tansel cups: a federal eagle with shielded breast and “E Pluribus Unum” banner in its beak, hunting dogs chasing deer, and large scalloped borders at rim and base. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7044bdf3-7c68-41de-add9-a3144b5c487e/Tansel+cup+T5x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Most Sought After Tansel Horn, The Tansel Cup © - Figure No.1b: The bottoms of most horn cups, including ones made by the Tansels, are discs of flattened horn with tapered edges chimed into a groove cut inside the cup’s base. The center mark of the disc, a dimple, can be seen on this cup’s bottom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/412f8360-ec28-4f3e-9809-ac3e6d6b4791/Tansel+cup+T1.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Most Sought After Tansel Horn, The Tansel Cup © - Figure 2a: This fine Tansel cup is signed “Tim Tansel” above the head of a well-dressed man with his wife in front of him. The cup was reportedly Timothy Tansel’s personal cup, and the figures may represent Timothy and his wife. Names placed above or below Tansel figures usually identify the figure. Cup height: 4.0 inches. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/eddd2d7b-3457-404e-8f84-1912da1b4897/Tansel+cup+T2xx.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Most Sought After Tansel Horn, The Tansel Cup © - Figure 2b: To the right of the man is a well-dressed lady that may represent his wife. The couple appears to be meeting General William H. Harrison, whose name is overhead. These remarkable images suggest that Timothy Tansel and his wife met General William H. Harrison, and Timothy later documented the event on his personal cup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/4e8ef43f-86e4-474f-9ba8-a1f41a387527/Tansel+cup+T3x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Most Sought After Tansel Horn, The Tansel Cup © - Figure No.2c: The back side of the “Tim Tansel” cup has the usual federal eagle with an “E Pluribus Unum” banner in its beak and a dog chasing a deer. Eagles are the centerpiece of most Tansel articles, but here the Gen. Wm. H. Harrison scene dominates the artwork; the eagle is reduced in size and moved to the cup’s back side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ba1c66a2-d315-41a3-8b44-d2bf2b5edb8b/Tansel+cup+T4x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Most Sought After Tansel Horn, The Tansel Cup © - Figure No.2d: To the right of Gen. Harrison is an American flag with typical Tansel “scroll” to its right. The year “1841” appears above the flag. The well-decorated cup has several standard Tansel details, including the eagle, deer & dog, and Tansel-style scallops at the cup’s base and rim that appear on most Tansel powder horns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/79b7818d-5dfb-423d-96c9-8ad6508c70ef/Tansel+cup+S1x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Most Sought After Tansel Horn, The Tansel Cup © - Figure No.3a: The front of the Turpin cup has a typical Tansel eagle with “E Pluribus Unum” banner and overhead stars. Below the eagle, David Turpin added his initials “D. R. T.” so everyone, including would-be thieves, would know who owned the cup. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/0079fdb3-986f-4a6f-ab54-01b9460e6ddb/Tansel+cup+S2x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Most Sought After Tansel Horn, The Tansel Cup © - Figure No.3b: To the right of the eagle are two animals, a resting deer with folded legs, and an oddly shaped dog with curvy tail. The two “slightly different” animals support the cup’s attribution to Stark Tansel, who liked to deviate from the normal figures at times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/35b3d918-6933-4a27-ab9c-434f933cd243/Tansel+cup+S3x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Most Sought After Tansel Horn, The Tansel Cup © - Figure No.3c: The back of the Turpin cup has figures of a well-dressed man and woman. The shading of the man’s trousers suggests Stark’s hand. The man and woman imply the cup was made for a couple, perhaps Turpin and his wife or sweetheart. Height: 3-3/8 inches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/523767c5-eb78-4166-90f1-6a09952be35a/Tansel+cup+S4x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Most Sought After Tansel Horn, The Tansel Cup © - Figure No.3d: The man in the prior figure is gazing at the lady, dressed in her finest clothes with hair curled and smelling roses that symbolizes love. The theme suggests the cup was made to remind Turpin of his wife or sweetheart when he left for California in 1850. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3767955e-7969-470d-9ab4-483b06410843/Tansel+cup+Turpin+cemetery.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Most Sought After Tansel Horn, The Tansel Cup © - Figure No.4: The Turpin Family Cemetery in Hendricks County, Indiana, is best known for having the grave of Timothy Tansel. The cemetery also contains the remains of Stark Tansel’s first wife, as well as several of his children who died in childhood. The small country cemetery is overgrown with trees and brush, and cattle have walked over and broken gravestones for many years. Timothy Tansel’s headstone was knocked down and broken by neglect, but a small foot stone allowed his dated headstone to be properly replaced. Recent attention, due to the notoriety of Timothy Tansel’s grave, has caused some small improvements in the cemetery. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/a-bardstown-ghost-rifle-by-henry-killen monthly 0.5 2026-02-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e5b70b59-a29e-452f-b832-2d85dc891306/BD%233-6d+Killen+name+a.jpeg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Bardstown “Ghost” Rifle by Henry Killen © - Figure No.1: The only known Killen rifle for many years is signed “H. T. Killen” on a silver barrel plate. The gunsmith’s full name was Henry Thompson Killen, and he worked in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8d543ee0-b7f2-4f29-864b-66b351f96816/BD%233-6c+NEW+Killen+full+length+a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Bardstown “Ghost” Rifle by Henry Killen © - Figure No.2: This fine “H. T. Killen” signed rifle was the only known work by Killen for many years. Its superior quality is evident in the elaborate patchbox and guard, coin silver inlays, and fine stocking. The gun retains its original flintlock plate, now converted to percussion, stamped “Kirkman Nashville Tennessee.” The hardware store stamp indicates the gun was made in Rutherford County, Tennessee, within a few years of Killen’s arrival in 1827. Barrel: 46 inches long with .34 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. Figure No.2: This fine “H. T. Killen” signed rifle was the only known work by Killen for many years. Its superior quality is evident in the elaborate patchbox and guard, coin silver inlays, and fine stocking. The gun retains its original flintlock plate, now converted to percussion, stamped “Kirkman Nashville Tennessee.” The hardware store stamp indicates the gun was made in Rutherford County, Tennessee, within a few years of Killen’s arrival in 1827. Barrel: 46 inches long with .34 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2c8659db-51b1-45e9-9c6b-1dbac1e0280e/BD%233-6a+NEW+Killen+front+a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Bardstown “Ghost” Rifle by Henry Killen © - Figure No.3: Henry Killen made this rifle as a single bolt flintlock about 1830 in Tennessee, and it retains several Bardstown details. The extended vine pattern on the patchbox lid is a Bardstown detail, and the patchbox shows an interesting “twist” on the standard Bardstown finial. If the two large “S” curves are flipped so narrow at the base and wide at the top, it becomes a Bardstown finial. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. Figure No.3: Henry Killen made this rifle as a single bolt flintlock about 1830 in Tennessee, and it retains several Bardstown details. The extended vine pattern on the patchbox lid is a Bardstown detail, and the patchbox shows an interesting “twist” on the standard Bardstown finial. If the two large “S” curves are flipped so narrow at the base and wide at the top, it becomes a Bardstown finial. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/326d1e85-a04a-45e9-9b06-51d0848fcdf9/BD%233-6b+NEW+Killen+back+a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Bardstown “Ghost” Rifle by Henry Killen © - Figure No.4: The back of the circa 1830 Killen rifle shows its fine curly maple wood and clean butt lines. The Bardstown star, usually in the cheekpiece, sits behind the cheekpiece. A small “step-down” in the side facing’s top edge on Bardstown guns is missing from Killen’s Tennessee work. A shield-shaped inlay atop the wrist and smaller shield inlays decorate the sides of the wrist. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. Figure No.4: The back of the circa 1830 Killen rifle shows its fine curly maple wood and clean butt lines. The Bardstown star, usually in the cheekpiece, sits behind the cheekpiece. A small “step-down” in the side facing’s top edge on Bardstown guns is missing from Killen’s Tennessee work. A shield-shaped inlay atop the wrist and smaller shield inlays decorate the sides of the wrist. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/653f0e8a-6a65-48ab-9479-577987c3dbbf/BD%233-7c+Killen+full+KY+a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Bardstown “Ghost” Rifle by Henry Killen © - Figure No.5: In 2019 a Bardstown rifle by Henry Killen was found. It was similar in dimensions to his circa 1830 Tennessee rifle, but it had the traditional Bardstown patchbox. While not as heavily inlaid as the Tennessee gun, its forestock inlays share the same basic curved shape. Both rifles retain their original length barrels, but this gun had a patent breech installed when percussed. Killen’s barrels do not exhibit the heavily swamped muzzle and breech found on earlier Bardstown rifles. Barrel: 46 inches long with .40 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. Figure No.5: In 2019 a Bardstown rifle by Henry Killen was found. It was similar in dimensions to his circa 1830 Tennessee rifle, but it had the traditional Bardstown patchbox. While not as heavily inlaid as the Tennessee gun, its forestock inlays share the same basic curved shape. Both rifles retain their original length barrels, but this gun had a patent breech installed when percussed. Killen’s barrels do not exhibit the heavily swamped muzzle and breech found on earlier Bardstown rifles. Barrel: 46 inches long with .40 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7720d639-f8d8-4410-b257-5f1c0923ba3c/BD%233-7a+Killen+front+KY+a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Bardstown “Ghost” Rifle by Henry Killen © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: Henry Killen’s Bardstown rifle has the “trademark” Bardstown patchbox with engraved vine growing out of the lid’s catch rivet. Killen was trained by Jacob Rizer, but the patchbox finial has Weller’s deeper piercing. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/0380db5a-11ed-49c7-884b-2e0b23bd1ee8/BD%233-7b+Killen+rear+KY+aa.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Bardstown “Ghost” Rifle by Henry Killen © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: The reverse of Killen’s Bardstown rifle has a tpical Bardstown butt plate with small step-down on the top extension. The cheekpiece retains a flat lower section, and the lock bolt washer seems to have a “stylized eagle” shape. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c9a2992e-022c-4e1d-bd22-c67ecc15bb98/BD%233-7d-1+KY+toe+plate+a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Bardstown “Ghost” Rifle by Henry Killen © - Figure No.8: Henry Killen used a long, elaborate toe plate on his rifles, a rare detail on Kentucky guns. His Bardstown rifle’s toe plate has heart and diamond piercings. The patchbox release button is hidden under the toe plate’s narrow rear section, similar to his other rifle’s release button.. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/a-mountain-rifle-masterpiece-from-kentucky monthly 0.5 2024-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/422a8a01-d3ad-47e9-854b-ab90c8038e05/MT%237-3c+Bull+full+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Mountain Rifle Masterpiece by Kentucky’s John Bull © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: A full length view of the circa 1830 “John Bull” signed rifle shows its large brass patchbox with strong Lancaster, Pennsylvania, influences in the daisy headed finial. The patchbox seems out of place on a Kentucky gun, but near-by gunsmith William Hall of Floyd County, Kentucky, used a similar patchbox on a rifle in 1835. Note the distinctive Tennessee style guard with rolled rear spur, usually made of forged iron, but made of brass on the Bull rifle. A fine Pleasant Wilson rifle is shown below for comparison purposes. Barrel: 46-1/2” with .42 caliber bore. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/25fddd47-491f-4397-8ef9-83aa1f001de2/MT%237-5c+PWilson+silver+full+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Mountain Rifle Masterpiece by Kentucky’s John Bull © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: An exceptional mountain rifle by gunsmith Pleasant Wilson of Clay County, Kentucky, a competitor to Bull, shows Tennessee influences in its iron furniture and slim stocking. Both Wilson and Bull worked within the Mountain Rifle School in southeastern Kentucky, but their work was much finer than the average mountain rifle from the area. Both guns have four ramrod pipes and silver forestock inlays, rare features on mountain rifles. Despite the significant butt plate curvature, this rifle dates to circa 1825. Barrel: 46” with .36 caliber bore. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c4e097ad-9a1f-45f1-9653-47b6bed9bfec/MT%237-3a+Bull+front+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Mountain Rifle Masterpiece by Kentucky’s John Bull © - Figure No.3: A closer view of the Bull rifle’s front side shows its Pennsylvania-style patchbox with daisy headed finial, and a Tennessee style guard made of brass instead of the expected forged iron. The butt plate’s top extension is a little longer than normal for a Kentucky gun, a vestige of the gunsmith’s Tennessee roots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/62dfac64-e2e6-4b6b-aeea-e5711842baa1/MT%237-3b+Bull+rear+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Mountain Rifle Masterpiece by Kentucky’s John Bull © - Figure No.4: The back of the Bull rifle has Tennessee influences in its “inverted T” lock bolt washer with smaller oval washer at the front bolt, typical of rifles by Tennessee’s Bean and Bull family gunsmiths, and two incised lines across the cheekpiece that expand toward the rear. The “different” shaped cheekpiece inlay may be unique to John Bull’s work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/b90144e8-492a-4a69-bdea-a3b932764dd9/MT%237-3f+Bull+long+tang+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Mountain Rifle Masterpiece by Kentucky’s John Bull © - Figure No.5: A major detail on the Bull rifle is the strong Tennessee-style tang that runs up and over the comb and extends back to meet the butt plate. The only other Kentucky gunsmith known to use this style of tang was William Hall of near-by Floyd County, whose work includes the PA style brass patchbox and mimics the Bull rifle. The similarities strongly suggest Hall was trained by John Bull in the 1810-1816 period. Bull died in the early-to-mid 1830s, leaving this rifle as a good example of the unexpectedly thin and pointed butts on Kentucky’s mountain rifles from circa 1830. Figure No.5: A major detail on the Bull rifle is the strong Tennessee-style tang that runs up and over the comb and extends back to meet the butt plate. The only other Kentucky gunsmith known to use this style of tang was William Hall of near-by Floyd County, whose work includes the PA style brass patchbox and mimics the Bull rifle. The similarities strongly suggest Hall was trained by John Bull in the 1810-1816 period. Bull died in the early-to-mid 1830s, leaving this rifle as a good example of the unexpectedly thin and pointed butts on Kentucky’s mountain rifles from circa 1830. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7590893f-93b6-4d5b-af00-d4360f6b3674/MT%237-3d+Bull+name+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Mountain Rifle Masterpiece by Kentucky’s John Bull © - Figure No.6: John Bull’s signature, here on a silver barrel plate, differs from that of his better-known nephew, John Valentine Bull. The nephew also used silver barrel plates but signed in large, neat block letters often followed by the gun owner’s name. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/kentuckys-mock-family-of-gunsmiths monthly 0.5 2026-01-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c2840fb0-f80b-4df1-a558-f177cac3eaf4/Mock+GS+name.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Mock Family of Gunsmiths © - Figure No.1: Both George and James Mock signed their rifles in lightly engraved script with a somewhat loose and sprawling style of lettering. The “G. S. Mock” rifle’s signature is relatively clear, but the signature on the James Mock rifle, despite only moderate wear and oxidation, is difficult to read and not shown. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e99ddc4d-f8c3-46c9-82b6-759af14bd0df/Mock+GS+tang.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Mock Family of Gunsmiths © - Figure No.2: The tang on the earlier George S. Mock rifle is straight sided with a single bolt and small, rounded finial, a style commonly used in Nelson County in or near Bardstown by gunsmiths such as Bardstown’s well-known Jacob Rizer. The tang style suggests George made the gun while still living in Nelson County, which assists in dating the gun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/71be0c7d-6688-4050-93d6-6056aaff3d2e/Mock+JR+tang++2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Mock Family of Gunsmiths © - Figure No.3: The James Mock rifle has a longer, two-screw [actually a tang bolt with tail screw] tang that tapers to a point, more commonly seen outside of Bardstown and reminiscent of gunsmith David Wellers’ work in Elizabethtown, Hardin County, where James was working in the mid-1850s. Note the “leafy vine” tang engraving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/186a60fc-62c6-447e-9ecc-baacd63f8590/Mock+GS+full+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Mock Family of Gunsmiths © - Figure No.4: The George S. Mock rifle is half-stocked in fine curly maple with a double-keyed forestock, a rare detail on central Kentucky guns. The nose cap is located several inches past the rear ramrod pipe in typical Kentucky fashion, and the gun has the expected three ramrod pipes commonly used in/near Nelson County. The German silver inlays are not engraved, but they add interest to the dark stock wood. Barely visible is a “cutlass” inlay in the center of the butt, almost lost in the glare. Barrel: 41-1/2 inches long, .36 caliber bore. Author’s collection. Figure No.4: The George S. Mock rifle is half-stocked in fine curly maple with a double-keyed forestock, a rare detail on central Kentucky guns. The nose cap is located several inches past the rear ramrod pipe in typical Kentucky fashion, and the gun has the expected three ramrod pipes commonly used in/near Nelson County. The German silver inlays are not engraved, but they add interest to the dark stock wood. Barely visible is a “cutlass” inlay in the center of the butt, almost lost in the glare. Barrel: 41-1/2 inches long, .36 caliber bore. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/76652f65-e393-47bc-8ba4-17fbced65da8/Mock+GS+rear+half+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Mock Family of Gunsmiths © - Figure No.5: The rear of the George S. Mock rifle has a well-formed, rounded cheekpiece with a large star inlay. The rifle is nicely stocked and has a decorative brass band between the nose cap and rear ramrod pipe. While not elaborate, the gun is reasonably well decorated, a vestige of the late Bardstown School. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9bc0d6aa-ad30-451b-9fc0-0cf5d870db17/Mock+JR+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Mock Family of Gunsmiths © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The James R. Mock rifle is similar to the earlier George S. Mock rifle in its butt architecture, guard and triggers, double-keyed forestock, cast pewter nose cap, and three ramrod pipes. However, the design of the rear ramrod pipe is different. Here the later style cast pewter nose cap serves as the rear ramrod pipe, breaking from the Kentucky tradition of nose caps being placed several inches past the rear ramrod pipe. Butt height is about the same as on the earlier George S. Mock rifle, but the longer barrel on this rifle makes the butt look smaller. Barrel: 45-1/2 inches long, .32 caliber bore. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1aa02a5d-4375-400d-b761-d3e6952bb54b/Mock+JR+rear+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Mock Family of Gunsmiths © - Figure No.7: The James R. Mock rifle lacks a cheekpiece, and its lock bolt washer is small. However, two German silver inlays at the barrel keys/pins add a touch of decoration to the gun’s otherwise plain back side. The stock has almost no visible figure in its curly maple, with curl only appearing in a few small areas. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/kentuckys-finest-rifle-from-the-barrens-region monthly 0.5 2026-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ab2b1f49-1523-4df9-8e3b-b32ec12a79d8/KY+West+H+full2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Rifle from its Western Barrens Region © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: A full length view of the Harmon West rifle shows its long barrel, slender lines, and superb original finish on its wood and metal parts. The large brass patchbox is a great rarity in the Barrens School, as is the coin silver inlay work. The rifle exceeds all other known Barrens School rifles in its decoration. Author’s collection, photo by Jeremiah Johnson Trading Co., CT. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d7c08bcd-1be8-4f59-a900-4e210217e3d2/KY+West+H+full+rear2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Rifle from its Western Barrens Region © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The rear of the Harmon West rifle highlights its superb, untouched, undamaged condition, the result of being a cherished Hisgen family heirloom for many years in Christian County, Kentucky. The gun’s exceptional silver work includes an oval forestock inlay, large cheek inlay, and 6-pointed flower/star inlay behind the cheek that are all well engraved. Fine silver work is almost unknown in the Barrens School. Author’s collection, photo by Jeremiah Johnson Trading Co., CT. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8e333eb9-f526-4730-9040-30fa9952e0e2/KY+West+H+barrel+signature2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Rifle from its Western Barrens Region © - Figure No.3: Harmon West stamped his circa 1850 rifle in large block letters, “H. WEST.” Earlier rifles by Harmon and his brother William had engraved script signatures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2c4b7b04-634c-40af-8be1-c3b2e7672d24/KY+West+H+patchbox+close+up2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Rifle from its Western Barrens Region © - Figure No.4: The Harmon West rifle’s patchbox is its most outstanding feature since Barrens School rifles never [until this rifle was found] used full patchboxes. The finial’s four-petaled flower hints at a Virginia influence, but the gunsmith’s family had North Carolina roots. The box outline is not as perfect or sophisticated as those on Bluegrass rifles, yet it is fully engraved, well-made, and adds an extremely important detail to the rifle. The large coin silver moon inlay and basketweave wrist checkering are also rare details on rifles from the Barrens area. Barely visible on top the comb ahead of the butt plate extension is another diamond-shaped silver inlay. Author’s collection, photo by Jeremiah Johnson Trading Co., CT. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/85625b02-3ebd-4d82-a632-96b1a1ea66bb/KY+West+H+-+3+cheek+inlays+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Rifle from its Western Barrens Region © - Make it stand out Figure No. 5: The back of the butt on the “H. West” rifle is nicely decorated with three coin silver inlays. Despite lacking a cheekpiece, the butt’s back side is one of the most attractive areas of the rifle with its large “snake” inlay and smaller 6-petal flower inlay, both fully engraved. Author’s collection, photo by Jeremiah Johnson Trading Co., CT. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/6fe9c5f8-adb6-4484-808e-2b089bb19a8d/KY+West+H+cheek+inlay+snake+3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Rifle from its Western Barrens Region © - Make it stand out Figure No. 6. The cheek’s large silver inlay has an “upside-down” rattlesnake. Perhaps it carried a subtle message just before the Civil War, such as “Beware of my bite.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/21ecc012-1dc9-44f3-a6eb-dd12b705abcb/KY+West+H+forestock+inlay+up+close+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Rifle from its Western Barrens Region © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: The “H. West” rifle has well-engraved silver forestock inlays on both sides between its double keyed forestock wedges. The attractive engraving is an “emerging leaf” scroll pattern. Engraving on any metal surfaces other than the barrel signature is rare on Barrens rifles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/fb96020a-95b9-4f5f-be40-765d1c536b24/KY+West+H+owner+Carl+H+Hisgen.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Rifle from its Western Barrens Region © - Figure No.8: This is a rare image of the “H. West” rifle’s original owner of record, Carl H. Hisgen, of Christian County, Kentucky. The hand-written inscription below the image reads “Carl Hugo Hisgen,” and below his name is printed “W. R. Bowles, Hopkinsville, Ky.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f1214ad8-c559-4416-b4bf-f584d7897beb/KY+West+H+image+of+gunmaker.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Rifle from its Western Barrens Region © Figure No.9: This is a slightly blurry image of Christian County, Kentucky, gunsmith Harmon West during his working years at Hopkinsville. He appears reasonably well-to-do, supporting his reputation for being a successful gunsmith known well beyond his county. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ec53b6a9-671e-4d12-a4d6-d4d6e06a5539/KY+West+W+front+half+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Rifle from its Western Barrens Region © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: The front of William West’s circa 1845 half-stocked rifle, while attractive, is typical of most Barren School rifles for its plainness. There is no inlay work, no cap- or patch-box, and no incised molding lines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/47576065-3449-4972-8013-31fec9f2fe8b/KY+West+W+back+half+4.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Rifle from its Western Barrens Region © - Make it stand out Figure No.9: The William West rifle has no cheekpiece, similar to his brother Harmon’s finer rifle made a few years later. While good stock architecture and a lengthy barrel make it an attractive rifle, it lacks decorative elements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1c427d7b-680c-4d52-9561-04c50165d5f7/KY+West+W+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Rifle from its Western Barrens Region © - Make it stand out Figure No.10: The William West rifle has similar stock architecture through the wrist area and in the forestock. Both rifles, despite their age difference, have their forestock extended several inches past the rear ramrod pipe, and the rear sight set an inch or two behind the rear ramrod pipe, typical of Barrens School rifles from southwestern Kentucky. The guns also share the same cast pewter nose cap with the front end tapered inward. Barrel: 37” with .43 caliber bore and 7-groove rifling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/5d542b5a-6bb7-4b91-bf35-1cc42328811e/KY+West+W+signature.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Finest Rifle from its Western Barrens Region © - Figure No.11: The earlier William West rifle is signed in script, “W. West,” as most early rifles by Harmon and William West were signed. This rifle was recently acquired by the author at a small auction where no one else could read the signature. It has been lightly cleaned for this picture. Author’s collection. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/a-battlefield-relic-from-river-raisin-the-john-tansel-powder-horn monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9aadbbdd-5705-46ba-a822-41d80fcf516d/Tansel+relic+front+3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Battlefield Relic, the “John Tansel” Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The front of the “John Tansel” inscribed powder horn has his name to the left of his typical ca.1820 eagle. The well-carved Tansel horn has two odd details, a flat butt plug and a slender spout with a faceted tip that lacks a raised ring for strap attachment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/786338b5-9f92-4e4b-909f-0b1a9a4577eb/Tansel+relic+rear.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Battlefield Relic, the “John Tansel” Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The back of the “John Tansel” powder horn clearly shows its well-carved fish-mouth with finely engrailed edges. The large basal and smaller fish-mouth scalloped borders, large star surrounded by smaller stars, and large dog are common features on his ca. 1820 horns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a4e04571-f9a5-4d10-84e1-f1fefa65c349/Tansel+relic+spout.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Battlefield Relic, the “John Tansel” Powder Horn © - Figure No.3: The spout on the “John Tansel” horn is unusual for its lack of a carved raised ring for strap attachment, a detail almost universal on Tansel horns. The applied faceted tip is also a non-standard detail for a Tansel horn. When odd details appear, it suggests the horn may have been made elsewhere and taken to the Tansels for carving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/39f07228-e341-4199-88e5-ea1c677711bf/Tansel+relic+name+3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Battlefield Relic, the “John Tansel” Powder Horn © - Figure No.4: The “John Tansel” signature on the “relic” horn is big and bold, making a strong statement about who carved the horn. The neatly formed, large basal scallops with smaller scallops decorating their edges is often seen on John Tansel’s work from around 1820 plus/minus a year or two. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e30db45c-69b6-483c-a70f-c448f17d0bf0/Tansel+relic+label.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Battlefield Relic, the “John Tansel” Powder Horn © - Figure No.5: The wood butt plug on the “John Tansel” horn is flat. The Tansels made a few flat butt plugs out of thick horn that were chimed into the horn’s bell, but they seldom made flat, exposed wood plugs. Of major importance is the old label on the plug’s surface. The label provides a partial provenance for the powder horn and connects it to the Battle of River Raisin in 1813. The lighter area on the label is where the name “John Tansel” was later partially removed from the label. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/a-tansel-powder-horns-second-life monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2f405e53-1a49-42ea-901a-f642fd0e391d/Tansel+blow+horn+eagle.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Tansel Powder Horn’s Second Life © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This circa 1835 Indiana Tansel powder horn was damaged and shortened at its base about 1-1/2 inches as indicated by the cut off wing on the left side of the eagle and missing basal border. A coin silver band reinforces the open end of the horn, and a lathe-turned horn mouthpiece has been mounted in the spout end. Author’s collection, photos by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/15e736a0-ded7-4e51-bb56-97bede1ed789/Tansel+blow+horn+low+eagle.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Tansel Powder Horn’s Second Life © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: This view shows the silver band around the mouth of the horn and a larger silver band on the spout end where a mouthpiece has been added for blowing the horn. A clean “V” cut and sturdy arrows in the eagle’s claw suggest Stark Tansel may have carved this horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7b40a937-3b3a-4592-a075-d4f506e38503/Tansel+blow+horn+full+horse.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Tansel Powder Horn’s Second Life © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: Below the Tansel eagle is a large horse and rider in Military uniform, probably depicting General William H. Harrison. The naturalness of the horse and “soft” knees and elbows on rider support the attribution of Stark Tansel as the probable carver of this horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ba9b6411-7634-45aa-a139-638bdb96831d/Tansel+blow+horn+low+horse.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Tansel Powder Horn’s Second Life © Figure No.4: This view shows the coin silver band around the mouth of the blowing horn with a small silver loop on top for strap/cord attachment. The loss of the horse’s back legs highlights the significant damage done to the horn. Fortunately, the owner still valued the horn and its carving enough to rework it back into a useful object again. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/election-year-campaign-powder-horn-by-stark-tansel monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/883ad0fd-87ee-487e-8450-d873b7683398/Tansel+Taylor+front+eagle.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Election Year Campaign Powder Horn by Stark Tansel © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This late 1849 Tansel powder horn is noteworthy for its oversized horse & rider figure that almost overshadows the eagle. Underneath the figure are the words “Generel (sic) Zachary Taylor/1849.” The eagle helps support the Stark Tansel attribution. Perimeter shading of the eagle's wing feathers and the odd flowers in the eagle's claw suggest Stark Tansel carved the horn, along with the large, well-defined horse. The separated top feathers on each wing help date this horn; they usually show up on horns made after 1845 and became more common as the years progressed. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/bca262df-d14f-4d23-a00f-32e10d41828f/Tansel+Taylor+horse.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Election Year Campaign Powder Horn by Stark Tansel © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The large horse figure, seen here with more of its body visible, is relatively well proportioned. Timothy's horses often had more of a cartoonish look, especially in the head/face and hooves. Also note the cross-hatched shading in the basal scallops on this late horn. While both Stark and Timothy used cross-hatching, Stark did so more often, particularly on his later horns. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3f98f790-0dc6-4f6a-abae-7120bd4e01a3/Tansel+Taylor+back+grass.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Election Year Campaign Powder Horn by Stark Tansel © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: Note the thick line, or "ground," below the horse's hooves. Stark was more prone than Timothy to add these strips of grass or earth under his large figures of both horses and humans. Note the "fish mouth" on the throat and how cleanly the two cuts meet to form the "V," common in Stark's work. Many of Timothy's later horns had sloppier, over-run cuts in the "V" corners. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/45ac3c99-ab46-4363-8708-7f39d2f1a7f0/Tansel+Taylor+name+date+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Election Year Campaign Powder Horn by Stark Tansel © - Figure No.4: This view shows the name of the mounted military figure and the date the horn was carved. Both Timothy and Stark made their letters virtually the same, but the less literate Timothy at times reversed letters or spelled words phonetically. The “Generel” spelling is found on a similar horn dated “1848” and attributed to Stark, so his spelling wasn’t perfect. Author’s collection. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/mercer-county-powder-horns-the-newest-school-of-carved-horns monthly 0.5 2025-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c32fc30f-808e-4905-ba7d-6f9b7da4ce8c/Mercer+Bigham+2a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This fine Mercer County powder horn has a round cartouche enclosing the words, “Jacob Bigham, Mercer County Ohio, 1852.” The carver’s initials, “W D” for William Dunwoody, are on the reverse side. The horn exhibits all of the best Mercer County characteristics with its strong Masonic symbolism, fine horn body and lathe-turned walnut plug, and documentation of its owner, date, and place of manufacture. Courtesy T. Thistlewaite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/df9143ff-949c-415e-8cdf-27f8879a155a/MercerHeritage1aa.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/155c6518-6622-4068-ba76-61a53bb83835/MercerHeritage2a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figures No.2a (<-) and No.2b (->): The earliest known Mercer County powder horn is dated “May 2, 1833” with the owner’s name “David Bell” and “Butler County Ohio” carved across its face. There are no carver’s initials, but the folky “rooster headed” eagle and neat block letters inside lines were undoubtedly carved by William Dunwoody. There is no Masonic influence in this early horn, unless a simple form of Masonic imagery is buried within the details, unnoticed by non-Masonic viewers. The horn body deserves comment. It is well shaped with a lathe-turned walnut plug and integral nose button for strap attachment. Even the spout’s strap retaining ring is neatly carved, verifying William Dunwoody was an accomplished horn maker by 1833. But his artistic ability would continue to evolve beyond this initial effort. Private owner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9bf7b7dc-2e64-4a17-8c33-9898613f5986/Mercer+1837-1%284%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.3a: This early 1837 Mercer County horn has an image of its owner holding a whip with the carver’s initials “W*D” just below in large script. Polychroming is visible in the leaves above the man’s face. Oddly, this horn lacks the expected eagle. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7d57b1bc-51ae-4068-8685-87f0aea479c0/Mercer+1837-2+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.3b: The horn’s reverse has a 3-level Masonic temple for Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master levels, with a garden or row of tall plants below it. Both the turned walnut butt plug and attractive spout show the hand of a skilled hornsmith. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/508c72f1-20a3-4eb8-bff4-b1d7b0a776f8/Mercer+1837-4+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.3c: The horn’s owner is identified by the initials “E.B.” just left of his bust. Masonic affiliation is documented by the “square and compass” banner above his initials followed by where he lived: “Ohio Butler County Reiley Town-ship 1837.” The bust of the owner sits just left of the lengthy documentation inscription. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8305f715-4924-464f-8b77-8a0a1baa4dc6/Mercer+Pierce+full+front+a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.4a: Carvied images include a sun at top left with the slogan “The Sun Shines For All.” Checkered arches frame the eagle and men below. Cartouche: “William Brundidge, 1845, Price $1.00.” Courtesy R. Pierce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/25fd56a3-187d-49b8-9692-337188ba1a6d/Mercer+Pierce+full+rear+a2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.4b: The back has a large Masonic temple. Above it in script letters between two lines are the carver’s initials, “W. D.” The eagle is located in the upper left. Courtesy R. Pierce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8f3b1652-41a3-4c13-8cf5-b3896a74ae99/Mercer+Pierce+eagle-best+4c.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.4c: The eagle on the “Brundidge” horn has the typical shape of all Mercer County eagles with its droopy wings, chubby body, and “rooster comb” on top of the head. A field of 8-pointed stars floats above. Courtesy R. Pierce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8d745821-19c5-48e4-8103-f49f66f99d9e/Mercer+Bigham+4a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.5a: The “Jacob Bighorn” horn is dated “1852” with standing hunter on the far left edge, deer with turned head, and hunting dog. The “rooster-headed eagle” is visible, along with a sun under the slogan, “The Sun Shines For All.” The carver’s initials “W D” are above the deer’s rump. Courtesy T. Thistlewaite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/54a119a9-0e5e-4442-abad-8dd596c9fdb1/Mercer+Bigham+1b.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.5b: A standing hunter with rifle and brimmed hat is below a typical Mercer County eagle and “E Pluribus Unum” banner. The large initial “B” to the left and “J” [see No.5a] to the right are part of the large Masonic “square & compass” symbol on the opposite side of the horn. Courtesy T. Thistlewaite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/569467a6-ad3a-4404-b7b8-1bc49301d0a4/Mercer+Bigham+5a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Mercer County Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.5c: A large cartouche is inscribed: “Jacob Bigham, Mercer County, Ohio, 1852.” Bold Masonic imagery is present in the checker-board arch over the “square & compass” symbol. The butt plug is noteworthy for its chip carving around the raised nose with staple. Courtesy T. Thistlewaite. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/a-new-kentucky-pistol-helps-identify-an-old-kentucky-pistol monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a7919103-b6eb-479c-8b4f-2c8c453b2b3d/Burdern+full+3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A New Kentucky Pistol Helps Identify an Old Kentucky Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The “E. C. Burden” pistol is a simple under-hammer stocked in curly maple. It has a small brass shield-shaped inlay for the owner’s initials with “KY VOLs” scratched on it. Author’s photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9b4b0da4-c81b-4071-abc5-7ae2c069ee40/jim+ky+underhammer+3-2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A New Kentucky Pistol Helps Identify an Old Kentucky Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The barrel on the Burden under-hammer pistol is clearly marked “E. C. Burden” in capital letters. The same name stamp was used on all of his rifles and pistols recorded by the author. Author’s photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a30477d4-7f2f-4b70-b506-a5f9fb31be1f/Burden+pis+top+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A New Kentucky Pistol Helps Identify an Old Kentucky Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The “E. C. Burden” pistol’s extended tang has vine-like engraving with dotted borders. The opposed vines flowing out from a center point reminded the author of another small under-hammer pistol he had seen with similar engraving and signed “J. Barlow.” Author’s photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/0db61960-6060-4131-9b15-b976de479a70/Barlow+p+back.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A New Kentucky Pistol Helps Identify an Old Kentucky Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The backstrap on the Burden pistol repeats the pattern of vine-like engraving with opposed vines emerging from a center point and enclosed in dotted borders. Note the rear sight is an integral part of the extended tang. Author’s photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/51589e42-f9a6-4e2a-9644-b6abf6aee18f/Barlow+Pistols+Top+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A New Kentucky Pistol Helps Identify an Old Kentucky Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The tang on this under-hammer is engraved with two vines extending in opposite directions from a center point and bordered by rows of dots. The barrel is signed “J. Barlow dec 29 1854” with similar vine & dot engraving. The pistol has been attributed [incorrectly] to Jesse M. Barlow of Rush County, Indiana. Photo courtesy G. Barlow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8c6289bf-5e93-4e55-bb73-f412a09f45c5/Barlow+Pistols+side+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A New Kentucky Pistol Helps Identify an Old Kentucky Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: A front view of the Barlow under-hammer shows its well-made yet simple trigger, notched hammer, flat butt, and rear sight that is integral to the long, extended tang. Photo courtesy G. Barlow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/84e90173-12b4-47db-86a9-41c9afee13c3/Barlow+Pistols+side+4.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A New Kentucky Pistol Helps Identify an Old Kentucky Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: A second “J. Barlow” marked under-hammer pistol more closely resembles the Burden pistol with its simpler trigger and hammer and brass spacer between the stock and barrel. Courtesy G. Barlow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c4ce405e-b36f-434c-af46-b6160b66d3bc/Barlow+Pistols+Top+4.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A New Kentucky Pistol Helps Identify an Old Kentucky Pistol © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: The second pistol is signed “J * Barlow” on the barrel and continues the use of opposed vine-like engraving on its extended tang and barrel. The engraving style appears to be unique to pistols from [or with ties to] Nicholas County, Kentucky. It differs slightly from the Burden pistol’s engraving by having its opposed vines run inward rather than outward, yet the effect is very similar. Also note the similar brass backstrap with round-headed screw just below the rear sight. Photo courtesy G. Barlow. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/a-newly-discovered-powder-horn-by-stark-tansel monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f0d60e4f-59c5-41fb-90b4-1d18a30d2978/Stark+horn+front.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Early Powder Horn by Stark Tansel © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The newly discovered Tansel horn has a large, raised wing eagle with “different” head shape and feathering style, non-standard basal borders, and a “U” shaped fish-mouth. Those key details, when combined, help identify the horn as the work of Stark Tansel. Several smaller details found in other figures help strengthen the attribution. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c7cceff7-49ff-4b9e-b65c-51adfd627301/Stark+horn+top.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Early Powder Horn by Stark Tansel © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: Above the eagle is a heavily decorated, rather complex area with multiple Tansel figures… yet most are “slightly different” as Stark worked out his own style for the figures. His carving skills were well-developed by this time, as witnessed by his deep, clean cutting of all figures. But his artistic skills were still developing as seen in the oddly coiled snake and rather “chubby” head on the eagle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/58254e2a-564d-419f-a401-2a9fb8890950/Stark+1824e+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Early Powder Horn by Stark Tansel © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: Below the eagle is a menagerie of animals that includes several deer and a heavily clawed bear. Note the short fringe or “fur” on the deer’s outlines. On the left side is Stark’s rendition of the “pile of houses” figure used by Francis on earlier horns to represent a town or village. Stark made the figure larger and added doors to houses in the bottom row, perhaps to differentiate himself from his father and older brother. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/578ad41e-06e1-4ef8-96cf-ddc2d0db1f90/Stark+horn+below+eagle.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - An Early Powder Horn by Stark Tansel © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The back side of the Stark horn has been turned around in this view to show the bear and reclining deer figures right-side-up. Note the backward pointing antlers on the deer, hinting the carving was not done by Francis or John. figure. The horn has minimal bag wear; only a small area around the jaw of the fish-mouth shows any wear at all. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/3uin7935saq77fyopnls6i08z2tvd8 monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/30a42d27-4e04-4bd4-b30d-a9c187124bfc/P+Wilson+front.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Southern Pistol by Kentucky Gunsmith Pleasant Wilson © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: Kentucky gunsmith Pleasant Wilson probably made this small, heavily used pistol with a curly maple stock, gracefully shaped butt/grip, and Wilson’s typical small, oval silver inlays with center pin attachment and trigger with small rectangular tab on its back edge. Barrel: 4.25" in length, 0.81” across flats, .43 caliber bore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/31ec296c-2424-4320-a360-08c456af6292/P+Wilson+rear.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Southern Pistol by Kentucky Gunsmith Pleasant Wilson © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The Wilson pistol lacks a forestock wedge; the barrel is held in place by a tang screw and the inserted ramrod. A silver nose cap and small, oval grip inlay are present, along with an oval lock bolt washer. Note the curving grain in the grip that prevented the crack from dislodging the lower section of the butt. The diminutive pistol measures 7.75 inches in total length. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/37fadfa2-9d80-4a83-b6f1-225a9b13e976/MT%237-5a+PWilson+silver+front+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Southern Pistol by Kentucky Gunsmith Pleasant Wilson © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: This is Pleasant Wilson’s finest known rifle, mounted in iron with his small side-hinged patchbox and unique guard that stops at the front end of the bow, where the tang bolt screws into it. Note the small, rectangular tab on the front trigger, and how the trigger angles forward below the tab. One of Wilson’s small, oval inlays is also visible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/bf0f3e1b-0eec-4bcc-9461-070dbe81c7e5/MT%237-5b+PWilson+silver+back+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Southern Pistol by Kentucky Gunsmith Pleasant Wilson © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The reverse of the fine Pleasant Wilson rifle has his typical small oval inlays and lock bolt washer. Also note the stock’s superior grain pattern that curves downward through the wrist, strengthening that area of the stock that was most prone to breakage. Wilson always used a flattened cheekpiece with two incised lines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f1637ed8-a4a8-4d84-b117-e5934041ab82/P+Wilson+guard.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Southern Pistol by Kentucky Gunsmith Pleasant Wilson © - Figure No.5: The Wilson pistol has a southern feel with its iron guard with three-pronged front extension and lozenge rear extension. The original mounting screws have low-domed, rounded heads, different from the often-seen flat headed screws used on many externally fastened guards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/97c509ef-e0d7-4a13-a229-f0d8f900ecdd/P+Wilson+trigger.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Southern Pistol by Kentucky Gunsmith Pleasant Wilson © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The Wilson pistol’s trigger has a small, almost rectangular tab on its rear edge, and the tip of the trigger bends slightly forward below the tab. Compare this trigger to the front trigger on the Wilson rifle in Figure No.3 for similarities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/499f9f33-aeba-424d-a3e3-24df7ff76e05/P+Wilson+lug.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Southern Pistol by Kentucky Gunsmith Pleasant Wilson © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: Another non-standard detail on the Wilson pistol is its side lug/drum for the percussion nipple. Note its curved face not seen on most guns with percussion side lugs/drums. The trident finial on the guard’s front extension is also visible in this view. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/a-rare-rifle-by-a-black-gunsmith-in-pre-civil-war-kentucky monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e5b78dc8-eefd-42a1-b04d-2bf78a04f905/KY+Maxey+full+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rifle Signed by a Black Gunsmith in Pre-Civil War Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This plain, full-stocked rifle was made in Kentucky in the 1850s, based on its stock architecture and other key features. The barrel is signed in script, “John N. Maxey.” John Maxey was a black man living in Logan County, Kentucky, before the Civil War. He served in the war for the Union and later moved north to Ohio to work for the remainder of his life. Logan County is in southcentral Kentucky’s Barrens School of gunmaking, and the rifle follows the local tradition of undecorated rifles where performance came before appearance. Barrel: 38-5/8" inches long, .36 caliber, 7-groove rifling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/6bc58d69-cc25-4267-980f-746089c8b659/KY+Maxey+name+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rifle Signed by a Black Gunsmith in Pre-Civil War Kentucky © - Figure No.2: The Maxey rifle has a barrel signature engraved in script by a reasonable, but not great, hand. It is important that the middle initial is present, to clearly identify the maker of this rare rifle as John N. Maxey of Logan County, Kentucky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/96209db7-d7bf-4140-81f0-5afee6d39691/Maxey+grave+stone.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rifle Signed by a Black Gunsmith in Pre-Civil War Kentucky © - Figure No.3: John Maxey was buried in the Soldiers’ Memorial Section of the Ferncliff Cemetery at Springfield in Clark County, Ohio. His grave is marked by a simple military stone that documents his service in the Civil War. The stone’s last line appears to read “16 U. S. O. I.” but the last four letters are probably “U. S. C. I.” for United States Colored Infantry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/caa228cc-6d57-467c-8ace-741050bc77c6/KY+Maxey+full+%283%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rifle Signed by a Black Gunsmith in Pre-Civil War Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: This view of the John Maxey rifle shows its curly maple stock wood, double spurred guard with “square shoulder” above the rear spur, tight Kentucky-style side-facing [narrow border of wood] around the lock plate, and clean, triangular butt profile with straight comb and toe lines. The percussion lock also has an earlier style oval tail rather than a rounded tail. Based on the full-length stock, long tang, guard style, butt shape and oval-tailed lock, the gun dates no later than the mid-1850s. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3fc3e20c-6438-4a7a-aa09-fa2d9df4cb95/KY+Maxey+rear+%283%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rifle Signed by a Black Gunsmith in Pre-Civil War Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The back of the Maxey rifle is plain, with a single lock bolt to hold the lock in place and no cheekpiece on the butt. A hint of the long 6” tang held with three screws can be seen in this picture; long tangs were another detail used in Kentucky and some states farther south. The barrel has been heavily cleaned, and the stock scrubbed and refinished. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3d4e1437-db53-4376-b944-0a0a22fc9442/KY+Maxey+guard+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rifle Signed by a Black Gunsmith in Pre-Civil War Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The Maxey rifle’s lock has a uniform side-facing [thin band of wood] around its perimeter. Also visible is the wood’s faded curl. The lock is original to the gun and marked “Jos’h Golcher,” a common commercial lock of the day. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ee538268-d303-4b73-8591-dff00fa7b24e/20230611_171622.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rifle Signed by a Black Gunsmith in Pre-Civil War Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: The rear ramrod pipe on the Maxey rifle is interesting for its very short, pointed rear flange, an unexpected detail on a rifle from central Kentucky. Author’s colleciton. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2fbc60a3-5335-4cb7-9af9-2727cd6313d5/KY+Maxey+muzzle+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Rifle Signed by a Black Gunsmith in Pre-Civil War Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: The muzzle of the Maxey rifle is stamped with small circles, each with a center dot, running around the muzzle. Muzzle stamps were commonly used in Kentucky and elsewhere and were a simple decoration that, in some cases, helped identify the gun’s maker when not signed. Its worn, 7-groove rifling is faintly visible. The silver bead under the muzzle is a modern intrusive screw, and the mid-line in the stock is not a molding line, but rather a poorly concealed glue joint for the wood splice above it. Author’s collection. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/the-settle-riflemakers-of-barren-county-an-example-of-their-work-by-felix-settle monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a066db79-d3aa-4f08-9bbe-35f3377df1c4/Settle+name2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Settle Rifles from Kentucky’s Barrens School: An Example by Felix Settle © - Figure No.1: This is a typical Settle stamped barrel signature, similar to signatures on most Settle rifles. Felix Settle and sons Willis and Simon often added a production number and/or date after their signature stamps. This stamp is close to the rear sight, due to the sight being placed farther back than normal on this original full-length barrel. Author’s collection. F igure No.2: The well-dressed gentleman is Felix Settle, probably taken in middle age while still making fine rifles in Barren County, Kentucky. Figure No.1: This is a typical stamped signature, similar to signatures on most Settle rifles. However, Felix Settle and his sons Willis and Simon often added a production number and/or date after their barrel stamps. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c4eae386-3fe3-4b45-9b1f-bf29e83c54b1/Settle+Felix+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Settle Rifles from Kentucky’s Barrens School: An Example by Felix Settle © - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8f278800-43b6-4f9c-aff1-dbe17ad43a8d/Settle+front2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Settle Rifles from Kentucky’s Barrens School: An Example by Felix Settle © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The front of the Felix Settle half-stocked rifle is typical of most Settle work from the mid-1850s… except for the odd rear spur on the guard. The faded curl in the maple stock is about average for a Settle rifle; few Settle rifles have fine curly maple stock wood. A long tang is barely visible, but the Settle’s “trademark” slight reverse curl in the butt plate’s toe is visible here. The original back-action lock is unmarked. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/a20e6276-1b3f-4b78-9bd4-e9ece4256d77/Settle+rear.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Settle Rifles from Kentucky’s Barrens School: An Example by Felix Settle © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The mid-1850s half-stocked rifle by Felix Settle has no cheekpiece, a common butt style on many Settle rifles of the era. Some Settle rifles have a slight curve, or “fish belly,” in the lower butt line, a trace of which can be seen here. Also visible is the rear sight without the rear ramrod pipe directly below it. Most Settle rifles have a longer-than-normal forestock grip area that pushes the rear ramrod pipe farther out. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/dd5b140c-165b-46fb-a90e-ed7a6b97e6a5/Settle+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Settle Rifles from Kentucky’s Barrens School: An Example by Felix Settle © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: A full length view of the Felix Settle rifle shows its slim lines and good stock architecture. This image also shows the relationship between the rear sight and rear ramrod pipe, both still in their original positions. The Settles commonly set the rear sight a couple inches behind the rear ramrod pipe, which on this rifle caused the name stamp to be closer than expected to the rear sight, yet reasonably centered between the breech and rear ramrod pipe. Also visible is the Settles’ “trademark” nose cap location several inches beyond the rear ramrod pipe. Barrel: 43-7/8 inches long, .36 caliber bore, 7-groove rifling. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/dab20482-8911-402d-a964-3309763addb5/Settle+tang.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Settle Rifles from Kentucky’s Barrens School: An Example by Felix Settle © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The Felix Settle rifle has a typical Settle tang, about 5-3/8 inches long with a slight taper, with two wood screws attaching it to the stock. Note there is no tang bolt; both heads are actually wood screws. The fine original stock finish is visible in this view. The gun is in exceptionally good condition with its original stock finish intact along with its original barrel bluing with only minimal rust. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/097597b8-09c8-4919-ba8c-38e96762a577/Settle+WF+full+x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Settle Rifles from Kentucky’s Barrens School: An Example by Felix Settle © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: The Willis F. Settle rifle was made a few years after the Felix Settle rifle and has a shorter barrel. It differs from the Felix Settle rifle in other details including: 1) stocked in walnut instead of curly maple; 2) butt has pointed toe instead of earlier style reverse curve; 3) commercial guard has Kentucky style “square shoulder” above the rear spur; 4) a conventional cast nose cap/entry pipe has replaced the earlier brass rear ramrod pipe with a smaller cast nose cap several inches farther out; 5) slight “fish belly” in lower butt line is gone. Barrel: 36” with .36 caliber bore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/4748feee-ac2a-412b-9daa-19aba7c54ca9/Settle+WF+rear+x.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Settle Rifles from Kentucky’s Barrens School: An Example by Felix Settle © - Make it stand out Figure No.8: The Willis Settle rifle has a simple diamond shaped lock bolt washer, and the guard is a commercial casting with a Kentucky-style “square shoulder” above the rear spur. The gun has no cheekpiece but retains a long tang with rounded tip similar to the Felix Settle rifle’s tang. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/fa048301-8576-40f1-94eb-aa116c15fe28/Settle+WF+name.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Settle Rifles from Kentucky’s Barrens School: An Example by Felix Settle © - Make it stand out Figure No.9: The Willis Settle rifle’s barrel is stamped “W. F. Settle,” with the Roman numerals “XXXV” stamped a short distance to the right. The numerals may indicate it was 35th rifle Willis made. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/the-tansel-familys-finest-work-the-big-knuckle-eagle-powder-horns monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c74c2ceb-b348-4ff4-81d9-1fff778d741b/big+knuckle+1-3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Ultimate Tansel Artistry, “Big Knuckle Eagle” Powder Horns © - Figure No.1-a: The “big knuckle eagle” on this Francis Tansel powder horn is beautifully carved with its feathery, up-lifted wings and robust legs and feet. Note the talons on the left foot [viewer’s right] with the large knuckles, a trademark of these horns. Francis left his knuckles mostly white with the space in between the knuckles shaded dark as on this horn. Author’s collection. Figure No.1-1: The “big knuckle eagle” on this Francis Tansel powder horn is beautifully carved with its feathery, up-lifted wings and robust legs and feet. Note the talons on the left foot [viewer’s right] with the large knuckles, a trademark of these horns. Francis carved mostly white knuckles with the space in between the knuckles shaded dark as on this horn. Author’s collection, photo buy author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/afa33736-b84f-4291-9efa-2feabf8c9775/big+knuckle+1-1.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Ultimate Tansel Artistry, “Big Knuckle Eagle” Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.1-b: The front of Francis Tansel’s “big knuckle eagle” powder horn has darkened with age but shows its finely carved eagle, namesake image of George Washington, and a running deer left of the eagle. The spout has been shortened and damaged, but the horn’s body and carving remain intact. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/819446d1-6c27-4309-932f-5be2c8b04eaa/big+knuckle+1-2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Ultimate Tansel Artistry, “Big Knuckle Eagle” Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.1-c: The reverse of Francis Tansel’s “bug knuckle eagle” horn shows his fine border carving around the throat’s “fish-mouth” where the spout emerges, an early dog without a collar, and a fasces [symbol of authority] under the George Washington image. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3bbbcb20-8a60-4297-9c74-c6cd381ec469/20230428_174933%2B%283%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Ultimate Tansel Artistry, “Big Knuckle Eagle” Powder Horns © - Figure No.1-d: Near the base of the Francis Tansel horn are two deer carved in his typical arrangement and style. The graceful curve of the antlers indicates the carving was done by Francis. Above the deer, small remnants of the original basal lobe for strap attachment can be seen protruding from the small, finely carved relief band around the base of the horn. Author’s collection. Figure No.1-d: Near the base of the Francis Tansel horn are two deer carved in his typical repose style. The graceful curve of the antlers indicates the carving was done by Francis Tansel. Above the deer, a small remnant of the original basal lobe for strap attachment is seen protruding above the thin relief-carved band that encircles the base of the horn. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/b963a999-42ec-4aed-97ae-a1b8837d6f1f/big+knuckle+1-4a+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Ultimate Tansel Artistry, “Big Knuckle Eagle” Powder Horns © Figure No.1e: A well-proportioned dog without a collar decorates the basal area of the Francis Tansel powder horn. Both the dog and cartouche borders are typical of Francis’ work. When John Tansel carved dogs on his horns, he usually put collars on them. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/865f68cb-599f-4824-9969-3d7261d27019/big+knuckle+1-6+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Ultimate Tansel Artistry, “Big Knuckle Eagle” Powder Horns © Figure No.1-f: An “E Pluribus Unum” banner arches over the eagle’s head and just above it is a large sunburst figure. The sunburst helps identify Francis Tansel’s horns from those of his son John. Francis often put a face inside his sunbursts while John did not. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f09b1405-9119-4be0-853e-083e1f8ee6df/20230428_175017+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Ultimate Tansel Artistry, “Big Knuckle Eagle” Powder Horns © Figure No.1-g: The open end of the Francis Tansel horn has a white scar where the original front lobe was broken off. The slightly darker area just inside the horn shows the thickness of the horn’s original flat horn or wood butt plug. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e5c4742f-bb46-4f15-9540-66b9fdcb8230/big+knuckle+2-1.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Ultimate Tansel Artistry, “Big Knuckle Eagle” Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.2-a: The front of John Tansel’s “big knuckle eagle” powder horn shows his finely carved eagle with up-lifted wings and highly detailed feathers. Also visible is a nautilus shell carving to the left of the eagle that was only used by John Tansel. To its left is the remnant of the original basal lobe with hole for strap attachment, a rare detail found on two of the known “big knuckle eagle” horns. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3bdfe23e-05d4-49df-a31c-78b05a6ccae5/big+knuckle+2-2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Ultimate Tansel Artistry, “Big Knuckle Eagle” Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.2-b: The reverse of the John Tansel horn has his “trademark” one-eyed lion that appears on other horns he made. Also present is his short-tailed bear to the left of the lion, and a shorthorn cow reminiscent of the fine shorthorn cattle bred in central Kentucky that provided the creamy colored, perfectly sized horns used by the Tansels. The small hole near the spout end held some kind of eyebolt for rear strap attachment. A bit of the flat horn butt plug’s edge is visible and shows how thick it was. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/053fb5cb-e682-4a17-917d-005befd45d1e/big+knuckle+2-3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Ultimate Tansel Artistry, “Big Knuckle Eagle” Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.2-c: A close-up of the John Tansel eagle shows the large knuckles on the left [viewer’s right] foot with darker outer knuckle area and lighter area in between. This shading is opposite of the shading used by Francis Tansel and allows “big knuckle eagle” horns to be properly attributed. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/6ec6550a-f2ec-446f-974f-3f8d69465e43/big+knuckle+2-5.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Ultimate Tansel Artistry, “Big Knuckle Eagle” Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.2-e: Two important details on John Tansel’s “big knuckle eagle” horn are its original flat horn butt plug [now warped], and a large remnant of the original basal lobe with hole for strap attachment. The thick horn butt plug’s edge is partially visible in this view, as are the nails used to hold it in place. Note the starburst figure in the lower right; it was reproduced on the top surface of the attachment lobe. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d855e99e-5ae4-4994-bab5-aeffd8761e47/big+knuckle+2-4.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Ultimate Tansel Artistry, “Big Knuckle Eagle” Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.2-d: A running deer inside a rectangular cartouche highlights several details used by John Tansel: 1) a slightly awkward front leg on the deer, 2) antlers that point almost straight upward, 3) large, thick body, and 4) a shorter, less pointed head. Author’s collection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c1242a0b-7221-49b4-9290-c4ff66783730/big+knuckle+2-6.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Ultimate Tansel Artistry, “Big Knuckle Eagle” Powder Horns © - Make it stand out Figure No.2-f: The basal lobe remnant has a decorative “starburst” pattern, implying the original lobe was semi-circular in shape. Also visible is a small section of the original fine chip-carving that ran around the horn’s basal edge and outer edge of the lobe. The Tansels placed their strap attachment lobes on the front side of the horn, not on the top as on earlier Eastern horns. Author’s collection. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/the-heath-family-kentucky-gunmakers-with-tennessee-roots monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3f833dcf-dfe6-47fa-9a5d-a54225c98cb7/BR%236-4c+Matthis-full+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Heath Family and Their Tennessee Style Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: This Barrens School rifle was made by Samuel Matthis of Russellville in Logan County. It has a Kentucky triangular butt with well-formed iron mountings but lacks decorative elements, making it typical of better Barrens rifles. Another Russellville gunsmith, Joseph Blair, worked slightly earlier than Matthis, and made similar guns, suggesting a working relationship at one time. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/5471e890-caf0-42fe-aaf2-5e80153f6bfa/Heath+Wm+full+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Heath Family and Their Tennessee Style Rifles © - Figure No.2: A full-length view of a Billy Heath rifle from Allen County, Kentucky, shows the Heaths’ usual stock profile with the nose cap well beyond the rear ramrod pipe. Stock wood is poorly figured maple. Barrel: 38-1/2” with .32 caliber bore. Courtesy J. Carter. Figure No.2: A full-length view of a Billy Heath rifle from Allen County, Kentucky, shows the Heaths’ usual stock profile with the nose cap well beyond the rear ramrod pipe. Stock wood is poorly figured maple. Barrel: 38-1/2” with .32 caliber bore. Courtesy J. Carter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/899de645-7b8d-4622-b2af-6903a52b707a/Heath+Wm+front+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Heath Family and Their Tennessee Style Rifles © - Figure No.3: The front of the Billy Heath rifle has rounded side facings often seen on Tennessee rifles. The mountings are all brass including the late style guard despite their Tennessee roots; the author has not seen an iron-mounted Kentucky Heath rifle. Courtesy J. Carter. Figure No.3: The front of the Billy Heath rifle shows its rounded side facings often seen on Tennessee rifles. The mountings are all brass including the late style guard; the author has not seen an iron-mounted Kentucky Heath rifle. Courtesy J. Carter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/97a310e7-3a7e-41de-b69e-2ef8f9e1073a/Heath+Wm+rear+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Heath Family and Their Tennessee Style Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The rear of the Billy Heath rifle has a low and somewhat bulky cheekpiece. The late style guard suggests this rifle is later than John’s rifle illustrated below without a cheekpiece. Note the teardrop-shaped lock bolt washer, typical of most Heath rifles from Kentucky. Courtesy J. Carter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7db8f901-5d44-47b2-8285-69d52312f4b1/WMH+2signature.png Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Heath Family and Their Tennessee Style Rifles © - Figure No.5: Billy Heath marked his rifles with three large initials for William McKendree Heath. Other known Heath rifles are marked in a similar manner. Courtesy J. Carter. Billy Heath marked his rifles with three large initials for William McKendree Heath. Courtesy J. Carter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/8783b5fb-b56f-4642-b253-f8bc84c6118a/Heath+John+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Heath Family and Their Tennessee Style Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: This well-made John Heath rifle is stocked much like his brother Billy’s rifle above, but with much better curly maple. As with Billy’s rifle, the rear sight sits well behind the rear ramrod pipe while the nose cap sits well in front of the rear pipe. The gun retains its original, oxidized finish with rich, mellow color. Barrel: 43” long with .34 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photo by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e1fa6e3f-d9f5-4edd-9e4e-bc6af1b50dbd/Heath+reverse+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Heath Family and Their Tennessee Style Rifles © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: The back of the John Heath rifle highlights its original finish. The rounded bow on the guard suggests this gun is earlier than the Billy Heath rifle above with its later style guard. Despite Tennessee influences in stocking, all mountings are brass. There is no barrel pin visible in the forestock; a hidden pin in the pewter nose cap is hooked by an open-ended barrel loop when the barrel slides back into place. Author’s collection, photo by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/37b0d88a-71ff-48c2-8b65-fd0411ee9bf5/Heath+John+name+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Heath Family and Their Tennessee Style Rifles © - Figure No.8: John Heath’s signature is similar to the Billy Heath signature in Figure No.5. All Heath gunsmiths used three block-letter initials to sign their guns. Close inspection shows the initials were stamped, not engraved. Slight differences in the letters compared to those on Billy Heath’s rifle indicate different stamps were used; John had left Billy’s shop and was working independently with his own stamps. Author’s collection, photo by author. Figure No.8: This signature is similar to Billy Heath’s signature in Figure No.5; all Heath gunsmiths used three large, block-letter initials to sign their guns. Close inspection of the initials indicates they are stamped into the barrel. Slight differences in the letters on this barrel compared to letters on the Billy Heath rifle indicate different stamps were used; it indicates John had left Billy’s shop and was working independently in his own shop, with his own stamps. Author’s collection, photo by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9ba881b6-7abf-4917-813d-82829beabcb3/Heath+John+M+-+house.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s Heath Family and Their Tennessee Style Rifles © - Figure No.9: Pictures of Kentucky gunsmiths are rare, but this image shows John Heath [second from right] at his home with wife Samantha and family. The extension on the back of the house with two chimneys and porch may have been John’s gun shop. Figure No.9: Pictures of Kentucky gunsmiths are rare; this is a picture of John Heath [second from right] at his home with wife and several children. The extension on the back of the house with two chimneys may have been John’s gun shop. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/western-kentuckys-best-inlaid-rifles-from-breckinridge-county monthly 0.5 2024-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/62ca1665-f474-40d8-9ba2-9f5a303e1628/OR%234-10a+Front+half+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Western Kentucky’s Exceptional Inlaid Rifles From Breckinridge County © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The front side of Sanford Pool’s half-stocked, double-cheekpiece rifle shows his fine stocking, front “hair” trigger with North Carolina influences, and German silver inlays that strayed from the traditional shapes found on other Kentucky guns. Pool stamped his barrels “S. P. Pool.” The large Moravian cheekpiece star also appears on John Compton’s work and helps to identify these later Breckinridge County percussion guns. Neither Pool nor Compton engraved their inlays. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/6527a34d-1c09-4ef8-b80e-c0e72764d3be/OR%234-10b+back+half+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Western Kentucky’s Exceptional Inlaid Rifles From Breckinridge County © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The back side of Sanford Pool’s rifle is more heavily decorated than the front side. The cheekpiece inlay of an eagle clutching a large fish may be unique to Kentucky gunmaking, as well as the human bust at the gun’s wrist and the non-standard inlay at the first barrel wedge. The large German silver side plate mimics the back-action lock plate on the opposite side. Partially visible is a large “U” shaped inlay atop the wrist and a wear-plate under the forestock. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e42ca3cb-af39-48b4-a518-0c856f2935e8/OR%234-10c+full+length+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Western Kentucky’s Exceptional Inlaid Rifles From Breckinridge County © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: A full length view of the Pool rifle shows its long, slender stock architecture with three ramrod pipes. The rear sight sits several inches behind the rear ramrod pipe in typical Breckinridge County fashion. Note the rather long barrel for a half-stocked gun, a Kentucky tradition across most of the state. Barrel: stamped “S. P. Pool,” 43-1/8” long, with .36 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3062d463-bbf9-48fe-a8a3-417bc5d4ce64/Comption+front.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Western Kentucky’s Exceptional Inlaid Rifles From Breckinridge County © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The front side of the Compton half-stocked rifle shows its tight side facings and “square shoulder” on the guard’s rear spur where it runs up to meet the rear extension, both strong Kentucky details. The rear sight sits several inches behind the entry ramrod pipe but appears to be in its original position based on the well-centered barrel signature. The small, oddly shaped sheet-brass patchbox is probably unique to Compton’s work. Author’s collection, photo by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/490fa129-570c-4e9a-9784-ff71581e5f47/Compton+rear.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Western Kentucky’s Exceptional Inlaid Rifles From Breckinridge County © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The back side of the Compton rifle shows his uniquely designed lock bolt washer and forestock inlay that “almost” looks like an oval with small acorns at each end. The most significant inlay is the large Moravian star in the cheekpiece, which is similar in size and shape to the Moravian star in the front cheekpiece of the Sanford Pool rifle. Note the side facing’s oddly shaped front end; a related oddly shaped front end is seen on the Pool rifle in Figure No.2. Author’s collection, photo by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/b2f854ab-3f0b-4ca3-ab3e-8feee21fc015/Compton+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Western Kentucky’s Exceptional Inlaid Rifles From Breckinridge County © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: A full length view of the Compton rifle shows its slim Breckinridge County stock architecture with nose cap well past the entry ramrod pipe, tight side facings, three ramrod pipes, long barrel for a half-stocked gun, and a triangular butt with straight comb and toe lines. Stock wood is nicely figured curly maple. Barrel: 42-3/8” with .38 caliber bore. Author’s collection, photo by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/42bf5456-da88-427b-a173-447ec6f4fc00/Compton+forestock.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Western Kentucky’s Exceptional Inlaid Rifles From Breckinridge County © - Make it stand out Figure No.7: German silver inlays on the Compton rifle are fastened with small, domed-head brass nails, reminiscent of the slightly larger, silver-headed nails used on Jamestown, North Carolina, rifles. Note the middle inlay with its soft “S” shape and two small bumps on the top edge. The inlay, when inverted, relates strongly to the forestock inlay on the Pool rifle. Also present are two inlays under the forestock, a heart-shaped inlay near the lock and a pointed “finial-shape” inlay behind the rear ramrod pipe. Author’s collection, photo by author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/809f5f9f-87b0-4dce-b176-6a28ecf07397/Compton+name.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Western Kentucky’s Exceptional Inlaid Rifles From Breckinridge County © - Figure No.8: The John Thompson Compton rifle is signed “J.T.C” in script on the top barrel flat. The rear sight is located well behind the rear ramrod pipe, yet the signature is well-spaced between the rear sight and breech, indicating sight placement is original and the barrel has not been shortened. Author’s collection, photo by author. Figure No.8: The John Thompson Compton rifle is signed “J.T.C” in script on the top barrel flat. The rear sight is located well behind the rear ramrod pipe, yet the signature is well-spaced between the rear sight and breech, indicating sight placement is original and the barrel has not been shortened. Note: The middle initial was initially read as “J” in Kentucky Gunmakers 1775-1900, Volume II, but re-reading of the hand-written 1850 census data has verified it as “T.” Author’s collection, photo by J. Jaeger. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/documentation-of-a-tansel-family-member-carving-a-decorated-powder-horn monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/69fe8e01-9320-482c-9b82-00977ebd296f/Tansel+Polk+1.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns’ “Missing Link” © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The “James K. Polk” horn by Timothy Tansel looks like a “standard” Tansel horn of the mid-1840s… until the image of Polk is seen along with the lengthy inscription on the back of the horn gifting it to a man in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Then, when the Alvarado Tansel reference to his father carving a similar horn is recalled, the horn quickly becomes more interesting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ae481e48-2d3f-49eb-a87c-18ba4e61f445/Tansel+Polk+2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns’ “Missing Link” © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The reverse of the James K. Polk horn has an image of James K. Polk on a horse, part of an Indian (?) shooting a deer with bow & arrow, and the top edge of a lengthy “presentation” inscription. The scalloped border at the butt is missing the narrow border band that normally separates the scallops from the end, usually a sign the butt has been shortened. But… that same border band is also missing on the spout end, suggesting the original plug was a chimed horn plate with center staple, similar to the thinner replacement horn plug in the horn today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/bbd0ecf9-d98b-417e-ac29-d4e7f2b31d88/Tansel+Polk+3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns’ “Missing Link” © - Figure No.3: The name “James K. Polk” and date “1845” are found near the powder horn’s butt end. Also present is the top half of the James K. Polk figure with whip in hand riding a horse. These are the same figures and date described years later by Alvarado Tansel when he recalled his father, Timothy Tansel, carving a decorated powder horn. Figure No.4: The name of “James K. Polk” and the date “1845” are found near the powder horn’s butt end. Also present is the top half of a James K. Polk figure riding a horse with whip in hand. These are the same figures described years later by Alvarado Tansel when watched his father, Timothy Tansel, carve a powder horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/fe8b4697-063c-45af-b007-087e02f1aa3c/Tansel+Polk+4.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns’ “Missing Link” © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The inscription on the back of the “James K. Polk” horn uses rather imaginative spelling. Tim Tansel was listed as “illiterate” in the census, and he obviously struggled in copying a requested inscription. However, to his credit, he was able to communicate the sentiment reasonably well. The inscription is noteworthy because it shows the value placed on a Tansel horn in 1845, sufficient for someone to gift such a horn to a friend hundreds of miles away in Pennsylvania. The flat, chimed-in horn butt plug is visible in this view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/aab010a2-b51d-405b-8a1b-6cf008626dee/Tansel+Polk+5.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns’ “Missing Link” © - Figure No.5: The James K. Polk horn used a variation of the usual “dogs chasing deer” image. Here the dog has the deer in its jaws while the hunter shoots an arrow into the deer’s hindquarters. Action scenes enhance the interest in a Tansel horn, and this scene accomplishes that objective. Figure No.5: The James K. Polk horn has a variation on the usual “dogs chasing deer” image. Here the dog has the deer in its jaws, and the hunter has shot an arrow into the deer’s hindquarters. Action images enhance the interest in a Tansel horn, and this one accomplishes that objective. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/an-important-bardstown-rifle-by-gunsmith-benjamin-davenport monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/0b9c0be4-64d6-4574-9053-91fe512bd2ae/DavenportName+%285%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A “Slightly Different” Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin Davenport © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The Davenport rifle carries a clear barrel signature, “B. A. Davenport,” verifying the rifle as his work and proving that fully developed Bardstown guns were made in Marion County, Kentucky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9b27c65e-3972-49c0-b3ad-e3a308937463/DavenportFront+%283%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A “Slightly Different” Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin Davenport © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The Davenport rifle’s patchbox has side-leaves related to circa 1825 Bardstown side-leaves, but the finial differs with its small, four-petal flower with lobed tips. The pattern was taken from earlier patchboxes on Simon Lauck rifles from Virginia, where Davenport’s family was from. The family probably carried Virginia rifles out to Kentucky in their 1826 migration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/5f6fb106-b19b-404c-ba18-f90fca698135/DavenportRear+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A “Slightly Different” Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin Davenport © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The reverse of the Davenport rifle shows its Bardstown style side plate, a [very] small step-down in the butt plate return, single line lower butt and cheekpiece moldings. and more importantly, the “trademark” Bardstown “swag & Tassel” incised border along the butt plate’s vertical edge. The long, wavy line emerging from the border is an added detail that matches Davenport’s forestock molding termination at the rear ramrod pipe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/11923a5b-f379-4ada-8d25-85a5b116aad0/DavenportSidePlate+%283%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A “Slightly Different” Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin Davenport © - Figure No.4: The Davenport rifle’s side plate is strongly Bardstown in style. This form was used on late flint, single bolt rifles with its “Kentucky horns” on either side of the lock bolt and wavy borders with another wavy line running through the middle of the plate. Figure No.4: The side plate on the Davenport rifle is strongly Bardstown in style. This shape was found on late flint, single bolt rifles with its “Kentucky horns” on either side of the lock bolt and wavy borders with a large, wavy line running through the middle of the plate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ffb51045-bbd5-4e44-94db-bee7f4ec41da/DavenportRearPipe+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A “Slightly Different” Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin Davenport © - Figure No.5: Termination of the forestock molding differs from the “standard” Bardstown termination, but it mimics Davenport’s added wavy line emerging from the “swag & tassel” border along the rear butt plate edge. Like his variant patchbox, Davenport incorporated his own ideas into the Bardstown style in his area outside of Nelson County. Figure No.5: Termination of the forestock molding line at the rear ramrod pipe differs from most Bardstown terminations of opposed volutes, but it mimics Davenport’s added wavy line emerging from the “swag & tassel” border along the rear butt plate edge. Like the variant patchbox, it shows Davenport wasn’t hesitant to incorporate his own ideas into the Bardstown style in his area outside of Nelson County. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/b3a0374e-f030-4b8f-ad4e-df27354695cc/Davenport1+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A “Slightly Different” Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin Davenport © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: The “B. & W. Davenport” rifle is a Kentucky “working rifle,” functional but plain. The later style double-spur guard suggests a date of 1840-1845. The gun has slim, clean lines with the triangular butt typical of Kentucky guns of that era. The joint signature shows that Benjamin and William were related and worked together in the early-to-mid 1840s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/0e696be3-fbe7-42d4-9289-8d5ce3242a5f/Davenport+B%26D.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A “Slightly Different” Bardstown Rifle by Benjamin Davenport © - Figure No.7: The script signature on the “B. & W. Davenport” rifle compares favorably with the signature on the earlier “B. Davenport” rifle, indicating Benjamin Davenport was one of the makers of this later Kentucky “working rifle.” Figure No.7: The script signature on the “B. & W. Davenport” rifle compares favorably with the signature on the earlier “B. Davenport” rifle, verifying Benjamin Davenport was one of the makers of this later Kentucky “working rifle.” Both signatures have the Davenport dotted border above and below the name/names. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/the-gilston-duelers-bloody-history monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d984c318-768f-4801-9152-5ced708b532f/LX%232-7d+Gilston+names+%282%29.JPG Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Gilston Dueling Pistols’ Tragic History © Figure No.1: Both Gilston pistols are neatly signed “J & S Gilston” in script on a silver plate inlaid into the barrel’s rear oblique flat. Placement there, rather than the normal location on top of the barrel, kept glare off the pistol’s sighting plane along the top of the barrel. The small zig-zag border composed of fine triangles is a trademark of the Gilstons’ work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/94ccb741-080c-44af-afbd-a3a5260cc048/LX%232-7a+Gilston+pistol+front+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Gilston Dueling Pistols’ Tragic History © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The Gilston dueling pistols are well-made with finely checkered grips, curly maple half-stocks, and darkened iron furniture that was appropriate for a dueler to reduce glint and glare from metal surfaces. The locks appear hand-made with thicker than normal plates and have been converted from flintlock to percussion ignition, probably in the mid-1830s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/df95d96c-bb6a-4b24-baf2-a87738e48fe2/LX%232-7+b+Gilston+pistol+rear+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Gilston Dueling Pistols’ Tragic History © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The reverse of the Gilston pistols shows their quality and simplicity, both required for successful dueling. The dark horn nose cap and ramrod tip, along with a well-engraved guard, indicate a good quality pistol, while the restricted use of silver [small wedge inlay, lock bolt washer and thumb piece] was essential to minimize possible glare from the pistol’s surfaces that could hindered sighting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ee859c94-eadf-404f-b57f-66362b70f562/LX%232-7e+Gilston+muzzle+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Gilston Dueling Pistols’ Tragic History © - Figure #4: The muzzle of a Gilston pistol clearly shows its large .52 caliber bore with seven-groove rifling. Most dueling pistols had smooth bores, made to shoot less accurately and wound rather than kill the opponent. But Waring’s pistols were made for the most accurate shooting possible, so he could destroy his adversaries. Figure #4: The muzzle of a Gilston pistol clearly shows its large .52 caliber bore with seven-groove rifling. Most dueling pistols had smooth bores, made to shoot less accurately and wound rather than kill the opponent. But Waring’s pistols were made for the most accurate shooting possible, so he could destroy his adversaries. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/3f22p1xbp7j0l51hgikj79b7gq339f monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2a1cc606-6c43-4d72-be9b-f615312c1e94/Vann+rifle+sig.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Southern Rifle by Cherokee Gunsmith James Vann © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: A silver barrel plate on the top of the barrel near the breech has the heavily worn name “J VANN” engraved in block letters. The only listed American gunmaker with the last name of Vann was James Vann [1766-1809], a famous late 1700s/early 1800s chief in the Cherokee Nation of northern Georgia, and the style of the rifle was correct for a gun from that area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d8aa1913-19ca-434a-86fe-f80d15ce5173/Vann+house.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Southern Rifle by Cherokee Gunsmith James Vann © - Figure No.2: The James Vann plantation house, Diamond Hill, as it appeared in the late 1800s. The house and several smaller planation structures were restored and today are part of the Chief Vann House State Historic Site at Chatsworth in Murray County, located in northern Georgia. The site recalls the early efforts by Chief James Vann to help the Cherokee Nation assimilate into the white culture. Son Joseph continued James’ work, but the effort proved futile when government policy forced relocation of the Cherokee to Oklahoma in the 1830s in what became known as the “Trail of Tears” for the Cherokee due to the many hardships and deaths suffered along the way. The Van plantation house in Murray County, Georgia, as it appeared in the late 1800s. Today the house and grounds are refurbished and a state park focused on Cherokee Nation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/28ed6751-9939-4096-a53a-ba5e6112e527/Vann+rifle+-+full+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Southern Rifle by Cherokee Gunsmith James Vann © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The “J VANN” rifle is a large gun with a 48-1/8 inches long barrel, .50 caliber bore, and weight of about 10-1/2 pounds. It has iron furniture in southern fashion and resembles a Tennessee rifle, but the side facings around the lock are narrower, the guard has a longer rear extension, and the butt has a less severe angle or pointed “toe” at the base of the butt plate. The rear spur on the guard also differs from the normal Tennesse style spur, as shown in Figure No.5. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/65726c71-eb62-4ace-b721-e6ba8cbb45a9/VAnn+rifle+-+full+rear+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Southern Rifle by Cherokee Gunsmith James Vann © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The reverse of the James Vann rifle shows its faded curly maple stock with clean, triangular butt lines. The gun was made as a single bolt late flintlock in the 1830s as verified by a vent pick hole in the butt’s toe. The brass piece above the trigger guard is a modern repair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7eec6c0d-ae3b-41cd-afe8-663b394ba4bb/Vann+guard+3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Southern Rifle by Cherokee Gunsmith James Vann © - Make it stand out Figure No.5: The Vann rifle’s iron guard has a longer than normal rear extension [with its attachment screw missing at the end], and just behind the extension is a vent pick hole indicating the rifle was originally a flintlock. Note the guard’s rear spur that is highly flattened and widened into a thin, almost “spoon bowl” shaped spur. The later style, mid-1830s oval-shaped cheekpiece can also be seen in this view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/96e6611b-3fc4-458f-add6-121b8c1882c0/Vann+rifle+barrel+inlay+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Southern Rifle by Cherokee Gunsmith James Vann © - Make it stand out Figure No.6: This small silver barrel inlay is located forward on the barrel, about halfway between the rear sight and the muzzle. It is a rare inlay with its intriguing engraved pattern in the shape of the Cherokee’s “Tree of Life” symbol. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3d2832a3-86ee-4339-977d-71c29870aac9/Vann+rifle+barrel+inlay+%283%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Southern Rifle by Cherokee Gunsmith James Vann © Figure No.7: The Vann rifle’s Cherokee “Tree of Life” symbol is more easily seen when enlarged and rotated with the barrel pointing upward. The symbol is a tree with a trunk and two wavy lines running downward that represent water or a stream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/21b1e094-86e7-4e44-bbb1-cf47261131be/Vann+James.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Southern Rifle by Cherokee Gunsmith James Vann © - Figure No.8: This image is reportedly that of Cherokee Chief James Vann, born in 1766 and died in 1809. His Cherokee name was Ti-Ka-Lo-Hi, but he was often referred to as “Crazy Chief Vann,” perhaps due to his later instability due to alcohol abuse. This image is reportedly that of Cherokee Chief James Vann. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/the-last-tansel-powder-horn monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/5a616c33-c10e-4872-8b33-4ec5d404f84e/Tansel+Last+10.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Last Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The “George F. Tansel” powder horn was carved by John Tansel while living in Marion County, Indiana. The horn lacks many of the expected features of a Tansel horn including the “trademark” large federal eagle, “fish mouth” throat, and hand-carved spout tip. Its simplicity suggests a late horn made when carving was going out of style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/590d7ffd-d995-4e17-bd4f-f41f2c8b672f/Tansel+Last+11.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Last Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The reverse of the “George F. Tansel” powder horn is uncharacteristic of Tansel work with its lack of decoration. Only the Tansel-style scalloped basal border is present. However, the fruitwood butt plug is beautifully turned and shaped, adding visual appeal to the horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/0fbb3bdc-7640-4ebb-a66d-33a357a0bb45/Tansel+Lask+13.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Last Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: A brass spout tip was used on the “George F. Tansel” powder horn, probably because the horn was too small to carve a raised bead for strap retention. The tip appears to be roll-formed sheet brass with several small, joined sections and may have originally been the decorative tip of an old umbrella. Despite its origin, it resembles a Tansel carved tip in profile and, being metal, it would never split from hard use. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c382ff79-2bbf-4d84-bda5-46f723a80508/Tansel+Last+12.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Last Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The finely grained fruitwood [or cherry?] butt plug has mellowed over the years, developing a beautiful, warmly colored surface. The small eyebolt once had a lanyard ring for strap attachment; it was probably a later replacement for an original integral wood button or a large-headed wood screw. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/the-johann-carl-landeck-pocket-sundial-circa-1685-1700 monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/dfebc813-da0f-456a-b09c-f53be3ab91d9/sundial1.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Johann Carl Landeck Pocket Sundial circa 1685-1700 © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: The rare Johann Carl Landeck sundial as it appeared at auction. The sundial is firmly seated inside a tooled leather case with hinged lid. When first seen, the author knew it was old, but didn’t realize how really old and special it was. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1da2a1dc-8013-4d9c-b141-b6386972a4f4/sundial+3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Johann Carl Landeck Pocket Sundial circa 1685-1700 © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: The Landeck sundial as it appears when taken out of its case and set on a hard surface for use. Note the small compass in the center of the base plate, critical for proper alignment and accuracy within 10 minutes. Near the base it states “Horizontal Sun & Moon” to indicate it works in both sun light and strong moon light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9990c766-cf8e-428d-8365-095a2b5b8393/sundial+4.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Johann Carl Landeck Pocket Sundial circa 1685-1700 © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: The sundial’s hinged arm is raised, tightening the string “gnomon” that casts a shadow on the dial face to mark the time. The small compass in the center of the base plate is clearly visible in this view and still works correctly after 300 years of service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/258be1a5-2ee0-42ed-b9db-38c6ea612a14/sundial+6.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Johann Carl Landeck Pocket Sundial circa 1685-1700 © - Make it stand out Figure No.4: The bottom [underside] of the highly decorated Landeck sundial records the latitudes of major European cities to assist in adjusting the sundial when traveling, At the bottom of the list is Landeck’s signature, “J C Landeck,” documenting the sundial as his work. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/the-history-and-misadventures-of-an-original-tansel-powder-horn-amp-bag-set monthly 0.5 2025-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/33450cfc-a38a-445f-b308-1ec06cd4589e/s-l1600.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Misadventures of an Original Tansel Powder Horn &amp; Bag Set © - Make it stand out Figure No.1: An Ebay seller posted this image of a Tansel powder horn and bone powder measure for sale on Ebay in 2021. The items were recognized by the author as previously being in a small Indiana museum, complete with their original hunting bag. The posting prompted the author to find out what had caused them to be removed from the museum and posted for sale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/c05555fa-ec11-4d70-9b69-5c76ff88a8ea/Tansel+museum+pic.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Misadventures of an Original Tansel Powder Horn &amp; Bag Set © - Make it stand out Figure No.2: An old, local newspaper clipping documents part of the history of the Tansel bag & horn set and illustrates the original spike tomahawk that once accompanied the set back in the 1830s and later. Another clipping, not shown here, shows the rifle that accompanied the outfit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/77e18c78-9032-4f6f-b7b5-eb14274cefa6/Tansel+Museum2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The Misadventures of an Original Tansel Powder Horn &amp; Bag Set © - Make it stand out Figure No.3: This circa 1832-1835 Tansel powder horn and bone measure were reunited with the set’s original leather hunting bag. The leather remains in good, pliable condition, probably due to proper care while in the local museum’s display. Not visible is a small, empty patch knife sheath on the back side of the bag. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/tansel-powder-horns-with-their-original-hunting-bags monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d6f0736d-82b5-4d23-9492-dbea02e8ab26/Tansel+bag+1.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns with Their Original Hunting Bags © - Make it stand out Figure 1a: This early Tansel powder horn was rubbed with oil/grease during its life, creating a dark, oxidized surface that obscures many carved details. Note the horn’s rare chip-cut ring behind the plug; Stark was the Tansel carver who most frequently used odd/unique details. The horn has an original, beautifully carved butt plug with raised 6-pointed star/flower pattern. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9fa715b4-6cd8-4502-ac6f-49c395952031/Tansel+bag+4a+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns with Their Original Hunting Bags © - Make it stand out Figure 1b: The back of the Kentucky era Tansel horn is heavily worn, removing the carving and dark patina. Apparently, the horn survived in great shape due to being kept on the bag for many years, since it has no physical damage other than the heavy bag wear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7b7dddb9-b2b7-4adb-b439-e89597daefe0/Tansel+bag+3+%283%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns with Their Original Hunting Bags © - Make it stand out Figure 1c: The Kentucky horn’s early style Tansel eagle can be seen under the darkened finish when viewed in strong light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/14e859fd-90c6-428a-ba36-0550d7cb59d1/Tansel+Myers+3.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns with Their Original Hunting Bags © - Make it stand out Figure 2a: This Tansel powder horn & bag set was found in Missouri and has the horn mounted backwards on the bag, probably from the bag being moved to the owner’s left side when hunting and the horn reversed so it still pointed forward for easy loading. The bag was nicely finished with triangular fringe around the edges and a decorative inner border of small, punched holes above the flap’s fringe. The decorative fringe is similar to the triangular fringe on the earlier Kentucky bag in set No. 1 above. There is probably no connection, but it does show that many Tansel horns were paired with above average bags in their day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/cea921d6-9f00-4dd8-9c1b-e0e269348ca5/Tansel+Myers+9.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns with Their Original Hunting Bags © - Make it stand out Figure 2b: The very small scallops used for a basal border and the shape/style of the horse and rider both suggest the hand of Stark Tansel on this early circa 1832-1834 Indiana Tansel powder horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7e543e71-960f-44bf-9145-7694e843670f/Tansel+Myers+6a.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns with Their Original Hunting Bags © - Make it stand out Figure 2c: The No. 2 Tansel horn & bag set was used in the percussion era with a neatly carved percussion cap holder mounted with its “teeth” pointed upward on the bag’s strap. The cap holder has small, decorative triangles carved into the wood that seem to mimic the triangular fringe on the bag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e3e2dfcf-72c5-4267-82eb-4f258a091e82/Tansel+Museum2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns with Their Original Hunting Bags © - Make it stand out Figure 3a: The Wayne County, Indiana, Tansel powder horn and bag have a long history of being together, accompanied by a beautifully turned bone powder measure with hand-carved tip. Not visible here is a small knife sheath on the back of the bag. The set remained in Wayne County for about 185 years, until 2021 when it was acquired by the author. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d4dc2405-c33d-4884-9e90-9c9e330a013c/Tansel+museum+back+%284%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns with Their Original Hunting Bags © - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7f508da1-6e5d-46d3-b957-ada0350a47f5/Tansel-news2.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns with Their Original Hunting Bags © - Make it stand out Figure 3c: A mid-1950s Wayne County, Indiana, newspaper [actually, there were 4 separate articles on the subject] clearly documents the complete hunting outfit used by the horn’s original owner, Cornelius Ratliff of Wayne County, Indiana. The outfit includes the Tansel powder horn & bag No. 3, a very slim and attractive full-stocked rifle, and a spike tomahawk, all used by Ratliff from the mid-1830s until much later in Indiana. The “boastful” comments in the article suggesting the set once belonging to Davy Crockett should be taken as wishful thinking. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/a-kentucky-treasure-lost-in-canada monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/68b2666f-fb30-4efc-891a-897229fea3c6/CK%238-2c-full+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Kentucky Treasure Comes Home From Canada © - Make it stand out Figure 1: The slender “L. Harmon” rifle returned to the USA from Canada in 2019. It was stocked like a Lexington School rifle, but the patchbox was markedly different. The Harmon rifle helped define the new Clark County School, a sub-set of the Lexington School made in small areas of Clark, Montgomery, and Bourbon counties. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/9c0537c5-c017-4f86-b442-d14aa3d333f6/CK%238-2a-front+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Kentucky Treasure Comes Home From Canada © - Make it stand out Figure 2: The patchbox on the “L. Harmon” rifle looks like a patchbox by the Sheets gunsmiths of Virginia, yet it retains the simple Lexington School’s engraved lid borders with the Lexington “arch” above the hinge end. Construction is the “standard” four-piece sheet brass style rather than the heavier cast brass patchbox of the Lexington rifle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/e9d99077-f21d-483b-b4b3-d36d256906ec/CK%238-2b-rear+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - A Kentucky Treasure Comes Home From Canada © - Make it stand out Figure 3: The Harmon rifle’s butt plate has a typical Lexington raised ridge on top return, “horned” side plate, and cheek inlay with center screw attachment. The inlay is round rather than the usual Lexington oval, yet it retains the Lexington border composed of a serpentine line filled in with tiny dashes. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/the-first-tansel-powder-horns monthly 0.5 2024-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/05eac9cf-4908-4345-92fe-b0038478a6a6/Tansel-The+Plain+Truth+horn.JPG Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The First Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure 1: “The Plain Truth” powder horn is the earliest known work by Francis Tansel. The small “blade wing” style eagle, shallow “fish-mouth” transition between body and spout, horn-covered butt plug, and early style banners with patriotic slogans all indicate a very early Tansel powder horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/35eece26-b409-41b0-a178-0d51d3433217/Tansel-American+Coat+of+Arms+horn+1.JPG Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The First Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure 2: The “American Coat of Arms” horn, despite many similarities, is thought to be slightly later than the “The Plain Truth” horn due to its larger eagle and the more sophisticated screw-tip spout. These two exceptional Kentucky horns are the earliest known Tansel powder horns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/4d8565cb-2007-478f-b24c-13a3fd9e296a/Tansel-American+Coat+of+Arms+horn+2.JPG Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The First Tansel Powder Horn © - Make it stand out Figure 3: The top of the “American Coat of Arms” horn clearly shows its shallow “fish-mouth” detail, the “Fransis Tansel” signature block, and a unique mourning or memorial cartouche near the plug end. The early Tansel detail of covering the wood butt plug with horn is visible here, but the small horn band just behind/below the butt plug that hid the plug nails is now gone. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/w-and-r-bell-rifle-kentucky monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/81e471cc-a514-4c51-9589-f3e678ae8ee6/OR%234-1c+full+length.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The W. &amp; R. Bell Rifle of Bracken County, Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure 1: A full length view of the Bell rifle highlights its graceful stock architecture, elaborate brass patchbox, and silver inlay work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/0b16880e-0c4f-4c05-ab99-3fe3c5c288ae/OR%234-1a+front+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The W. &amp; R. Bell Rifle of Bracken County, Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure 2: The Bell rifle’s patchbox is heavily pierced and well-engraved with the Kentucky “stemmed ball with point” finial indicating the gun was made on or near the Ohio River. Incise carving decorates the wrist and rear of side facing, a rare Kentucky detail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/2d37ea0b-d479-485d-9e0d-446d448633a9/OR%234-1b+back+half.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The W. &amp; R. Bell Rifle of Bracken County, Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure 3: The reverse of the Bell rifle shows the wrist carving clearly, incised/slashed detail at rear of side facing, fancy side plate with an engraved “false” front lock bolt, and the large cheek inlay engraved with a fine federal eagle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7fc6d51f-8c5d-4e29-90b3-b6da8bfa926a/OR%234+Bell+Indian+inlay.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The W. &amp; R. Bell Rifle of Bracken County, Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure 4: A coin silver forestock inlay in the shape of an Indian head with top knot and head band protects the first barrel wedge. It is the most unique inlay on the Bell rifle, doesn’t appear on the other fine Bell rifle, and is probably the only inlay of this type on a Kentucky gun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/f1ba9af2-d6dd-43e4-adca-9051c6e11f38/OR%234+Bell+cheek+inlay.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - The W. &amp; R. Bell Rifle of Bracken County, Kentucky © - Make it stand out Figure 5: The Bell rifle’s silver cheekpiece inlay has a well-engraved federal eagle with a “reeded” edge around the edge, similar to the reeded edge of a coin. Eagle inlays are rare on Kentucky guns. The fine figure, or curl, in the Bell rifle’s maple stock wood is highly visible in this view. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/tansel-powder-horns-of-kentucky monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1663165186054-7C4XY8SE2JA4C7T280F0/filler+p74+Ft+Meigs+-front+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns of Kentucky: 1813 Ft. Meigs Horns © - Make it stand out Figure 1: Front view of Ft. Meigs powder horn carved by Francis Tansel for Kentucky soldier Samuel Arnold on September 15, 1813. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/cda34f72-7a6b-4a7d-b620-5f6f11d2b382/filler+p74+Ft+Meigs+-+rear+%282%29.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Tansel Powder Horns of Kentucky: 1813 Ft. Meigs Horns © - Make it stand out Figure 2: Rear view of Ft. Meigs powder horn by Francis Tansel with a detailed image of Ft. Meigs showing its trenches and gates. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/blog/kentuckys-first-gunmaking-schools monthly 0.5 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/50639342-f66e-4d0e-bf75-96bbdb6f95bf/LX%232-3c+L+Bryan+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s First Schools of Gunmaking © - Make it stand out Lexington School Example: Lewis Bryan Rifle, circa 1812. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/38c1006e-303e-4e63-9947-c92c1476f52d/Bd%233-1c+R%26W-Full+length.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s First Schools of Gunmaking © - Make it stand out Bardstown School Example: Rizer & Weller Rifle, circa 1820. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/27c0ca42-c526-4f2c-83d2-9a6e8b9b8c5e/LV%231-1c+M.Dickson+full.jpg Kentucky Gunmakers Blog by Author Shelby Gallien - Kentucky’s First Schools of Gunmaking © - Make it stand out Louisville School Example: Moses Dickson Rifle, circa 1822. https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/home daily 1.0 2025-10-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1662306438855-6F3RYLH106VDM8KQSHYW/KentuckyGumakersEpilogue_Cover_Product.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7e588608-6a77-4af2-8a9b-1193dd7db777/KentuckyGumakers-FullSet_Product.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1662306438855-6F3RYLH106VDM8KQSHYW/KentuckyGumakersEpilogue_Cover_Product.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1662312504520-RT9MWYM8W25971B8ACJC/KentuckyGumakersVol1_2_Product.png https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/about daily 0.75 2024-04-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/23a78414-d886-4b43-a1d1-53327382c2db/shelby-temp.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/b3c59729-82ea-4fca-8fd5-555be36c5e89/KRA+KY+winning+2014+display+EDITED.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7e588608-6a77-4af2-8a9b-1193dd7db777/KentuckyGumakers-FullSet_Product.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1662306438855-6F3RYLH106VDM8KQSHYW/KentuckyGumakersEpilogue_Cover_Product.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1662312504520-RT9MWYM8W25971B8ACJC/KentuckyGumakersVol1_2_Product.png https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/contact daily 0.75 2024-04-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/14e859fd-90c6-428a-ba36-0550d7cb59d1/Tansel+Myers+3.jpg https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/articles daily 0.75 2025-10-04 https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/website-terms daily 0.75 2024-04-26 https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/return-policy daily 0.75 2024-04-26 https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/gallery-kentucky-longrifles daily 0.75 2025-09-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714146157900-EG6MSHWHOYG339S2UUBC/LV%25231-1a%2BM-X.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714146202366-N8I9S6MHWHKKULR9DS67/LV%25231-1b%2BM-X.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714146257874-Z3N0437Y9DS9RRS7BVDS/LX%25232-3a%2BL%2BBryan%2Bfront-X.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714146300219-SZ8ZD0RGS3J4VT7S7O7M/LX%25232-3b%2BL%2BBryan%2Brear-X.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714146458010-5Y0O04OB4G8AXLF1GX4C/LX%25232-7a%2BGilston%2Bpistol%2Bfront.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714146430467-Q65GDUA5Y08BS216R41I/LX%25232-7%2Bb%2BGilston%2Bpistol%2Brear.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714146749135-C1NPRZYXV2PINAXBYIB3/Bd%25233-1a%2BR%2526W-front%2Bhalf-X.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714146778013-XO8RALT8Q5S87UZ7QX2X/Bd%25233-1b%2BR%2526W-back%2Bhalf-X.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147127282-FKA278PAPMHMEQVMN6BM/BD%25233-5a%2BJ%2526M-front.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147151985-VZHYUFSQKTQLAKH88MJQ/BD%25233-5b%2BJ%2526M-back.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147189328-H6Z5PNCNIIJQZMSC7YD5/BD%25233-3a%2Bfront%2BRizer%2Bpistol-X.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147218350-MMUTNGZV698UZVQP9KIM/BD%25233-3b%2Bback%2BRizer%2Bpistol-X.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147303421-CK8Z64HRPI59FW104CWM/OR%25234-1a%2Bfront%2Bhalf-X.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147323667-K67X9VBIQOOF94VC53DN/OR%25234-1b%2Bback%2Bhalf-X.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147367225-OEYHILSOD79WY8OGKGRJ/Mills%2B5-2a%2Bfront-X.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147385567-WA0LBZGSZMLW9FTD4SC3/Mills%2B5-2b%2Bback-X.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147510121-XRB7S5H1JEET41OW2PUT/BR%25236-4a%2BMatthis-front%2Bhalf.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147536334-S11NR26CD4B5H5QX2KI8/BR%25236-4b%2BMatthis-back%2Bhalf.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147567303-JPLB6LA2B8YQGUJWW910/MT%25237-5a%2BPWilson%2Bsilver%2Bfront-X.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147591866-9AHVJ61YKXYPJDXE84ZU/MT%25237-5b%2BPWilson%2Bsilver%2Bback-X.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147691362-TC2J3TKN0NSF6SN012LH/MT%2525237-10a%252BBear%252Bpistol%252B-%252Bfront.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147660994-OQDMR73WOPB984A37PAL/MT%25237-10b%2BBear%2Bpistol%2Bback.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147904207-UEL2YD7IB6GY67E5YG3Y/CK%25238-2a-front.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714147928473-TYH4NIC9C6XDXW95X3W2/CK%25238-2b-rear.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714148004593-UZ646BS32RFTRAX31RM3/CM%25239-1a%2BKelsay%2Bfront.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1714148047832-LI0D3BDTIDDFIZO7RRVM/CM%25239-1b%2BKelsay%2Bback.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Longrifles https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/new-page daily 0.75 2025-12-11 https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/new-page-1 daily 0.75 2025-12-11 https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/shop daily 0.75 2024-04-29 https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/shop/p/kentucky-gunmakers-volumes-1-2 monthly 0.5 2023-10-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1662312504520-RT9MWYM8W25971B8ACJC/KentuckyGumakersVol1_2_Product.png Shop for Kentucky Gunmakers Books Volumes 1, 2 and 3 - Kentucky Gunmakers Two-Volume Set https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/shop/p/kentucky-gunmakers-set monthly 0.5 2025-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/7e588608-6a77-4af2-8a9b-1193dd7db777/KentuckyGumakers-FullSet_Product.png Shop for Kentucky Gunmakers Books Volumes 1, 2 and 3 - Kentucky Gunmakers Three-Volume Set https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/shop/p/kentucky-gunmakers-epilogue monthly 0.5 2023-10-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/1662306438855-6F3RYLH106VDM8KQSHYW/KentuckyGumakersEpilogue_Cover_Product.png Shop for Kentucky Gunmakers Books Volumes 1, 2 and 3 - Kentucky Gunmakers Epilogue https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/gallery daily 0.75 2025-09-06 https://www.kentuckygunmakers.com/gallery/gunmakers monthly 0.5 2025-09-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/3beb4e03-d5be-4882-82c3-34fd3b0e556c/Auer-Balthasar1-750px.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Antique Firearms - Click here for Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Their Homes 1. Gunsmith Balthasar Auer as he appeared in the 1870s while working in Owensboro, Kentucky. He was well-to-do by then and involved in civic activities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/60f7907c-1574-4332-9318-3c576013d385/Hogg-Robert-750px.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Antique Firearms - Click here for Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Their Homes 4. Robert S. Hogg (1818-1877) is pictured with Charlotte, his wife. He worked as a gunsmith in Hancock County, KY, from about 1840 to 1845. He moved to Delaware County, IA, in 1845 where he continued working as a gunsmith until 1877 when he died in a farm accident. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/aa1e9345-c7f6-4462-bb09-8eca2689abc3/Mefford-house-1000px.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Antique Firearms - Click here for Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Their Homes 6. The home of early Mason County gunsmith George Mefford was partially constructed from the timbers and lumber of the flat boat he used to come down the Ohio River in 1785, landing at Limestone, today’s Maysville, KY. Through 20th century preservation efforts, the house was moved a short distance to an historic area of Washington, KY, in Mason County. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/17f3a4ff-c4ea-4847-a33b-97cf72c4e5a7/Heath-John-684px.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Antique Firearms - Click here for Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Their Homes 8. Gunsmith John M. Heath of Allen County, Kentucky, taken about 1900 when 70 years old... and still making rifles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/506ed3fd-2cd4-46de-81f3-524f2f526955/Settle-Felix-750px.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Antique Firearms - Click here for Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Their Homes 5. Felix Settle (1801-1871) was the son of pioneer Kentucky gunsmith William Settle of Barren County, KY. Felix worked in Barren County his entire life, dying there in 1871. He was the father of Kentucky gunsmiths Simon Settle and Willis Settle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/4bd51d8e-4607-49e3-b06a-4e5554295fce/Shell-House-1000px.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Antique Firearms - Click here for Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Their Homes 7. John Shell of Leslie County, KY was one of the best-known hill country gunsmiths… not for making great rifles, but for claiming to be over 130 years old. In part due to his local celebrity, there have been recent efforts to preserve his home despite it being abandoned many years ago. His blacksmith shop was under a rock overhang on the hill behind his house, and he ran a mill on Greasy Creek that flowed through his property. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/ba3bfcba-aae7-4972-9d36-8040e3d60ad8/Heath-John-house-1000px.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Antique Firearms - Click here for Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Their Homes 9. The home of gunsmith John Marshall about 1900 with his wife Samantha and family. John is second from right. The addition behind the house with two chimneys is probably John's gun shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/b6b8eefe-f256-4a91-9537-81e3e966f88e/Heath-John-house-today-1000px.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Antique Firearms - Click here for Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Their Homes 10. John Heath's house as it appears today, still standing but abandoned and deteriorating. The house is on Blankenship Road in Allen County, Kentucky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/851cabf7-93d1-46d9-bbce-0adcc30a171e/Auer-Balthasar2-750px.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Antique Firearms - Click here for Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Their Homes 2. Balthasar Auer as a younger man, perhaps while still in Switzerland. He's dressed in his bird hunting outfit complete with game bag, flattened powder horn, double-barreled shotgun, and his trusty hunting dog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/631115440492c605bed944fe/d65d723b-045f-4967-837f-5a8e4ba169ee/Auer-Balthasar3-750px.jpg Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Antique Firearms - Click here for Photo Gallery: Kentucky Gunmakers and Their Homes 3. This rare photo shows Balthasar Auer standing in front of his gun shop at 317 St. Ann Street in Owensboro, KY. Note his shop sign on the left side of the double door. Auer’s assistant holds a shotgun, perhaps made by Auer.