Henry Leman Kentucky Long Rifle .40 Cap & Ball 39.75″ BP Percussion Antique
SOLD FOR: $2425
LSB#: 210908RP02
Make: Henry Leman, Lancaster, PA
Model: Kentucky Rifle
Serial#: NSN
Year of Manufacture: Mid-Late 1800s
Caliber/Gauge: .45 Caliber
Action Type: Percussion Muzzle-Loaded Rifle w/ Double Set Triggers
Markings: The lock plate is marked “LEMAN / LANCTR. PA.”. The top of the barrel appears to be marked “B * J”. The various metal inlays have decorative engraving.
Barrel Length: 39.75”, Octagonal
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a brass blade that is dovetailed to the muzzle end of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch dovetailed to the rear end of the barrel. The rear is loose and can be pushed out of position.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one-piece wood with a capped forend, three ferrules and a slot for holding the ramrod, straight grip , rear sloping comb and semi-crescent buttplate. There are several decorated brass inlays throughout the stock and a patch box on the right side of the buttstock. The wood is cracked around the lockplate with material missing. There are adjacent cracks at the front sides of the forend. There is a crack extending from the upper tang along the comb. There are several compressions and scratches. The LOP measures approximately 11 7/8” & 12 7/8” from the fronts of the triggers to the rear of the buttplate, which is tarnished and has several scratches and dings. The stock rates in about Fair condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Brown, Case Color and Brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is sharp. There is erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. The barrel, ferrules, and lock plate show a dark patina and oxidation. The brass components are all tarnished. There are several scratches and dings throughout. There is verdigris built up around some of the brass components. The markings are legible though the barrel markings are difficult to make out. The screwheads remain serviceable. Overall, this rifle is in Poor condition.
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. The hammer does not cock. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: There is a ramrod inserted into the forend.
Our Assessment: Henry Eichholz Leman was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, March 8, 1812. During his first year’s operations Leman made 250 rifles. One of his earliest orders was from John N. Lane in St. Louis for 50 rifles to be used in the Indian trade. His rifle business grew steadily and on November 7, 1837, he received his first government contract for 500 flintlock rifles, triumphing, along with Deringer, Tryon and J. Fordney, over a field of a dozen other makers who submitted rifles for examination and trial. According to the 1850 census Leman had 34 employees. During the year ending June 1, 1850, he bought 50 tons of bar iron, 2,500 gun barrels and 2,500 pounds of brass. Production for that year was 5,000 gun barrels and 2,500 complete guns. This example is a Kentucky percussion rifle. The rifle is admittedly in rough shape but nonetheless it would make an interesting addition to a collection of 19th century rifles. Research into the “B * J” marking on the barrel did not turn up any useful information. Perhaps this would make a fun research project for an enthusiast! Please see our photos and good luck!