Unknown Repro Kentucky Rifle .45 Cal 44″ Flintlock Muzzleloader ATF Antique
SOLD FOR: $1776
LSB#: 220223DL002
Make: Unknown
Model: Kentucky Rifle
Serial#: NSN
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1970-2000, ATF Antique
Caliber: .45 Caliber
Action Type: Flint-lock Muzzle-Loaded Rifle
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MM”. The stocks are decorated with hand engravings which include an ornate floral scroll pattern beneath the cheek-piece.
Barrel Length: 44”, Octagonal
Weight: 8 Pounds, 5.6 Ounces
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is one-piece wood featuring a brass forend cap, two brass ferrules, a brass cap on the forend over the slot for the included ramrod, a lock-plate, a straight wrist with finger grooves integral to the bottom tang, a straight comb with a cheek-piece on the left side of the butt, a storage compartment on the right side of the butt and a brass butt-plate. The stock has some light-moderate handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there was a medallion on the cheek-piece which has been removed, a few scuffs on the left side of the wrist and some light finish loss on cheek-pieces leading edges. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 14” from the trigger to the rear end of the butt-plate. The butt-plate has some light handling marks, is discolored and coated in light surface oxidation. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Browned and Brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is light erosion and some stubborn fouling in the bore.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. There are scattered patches of light surface oxidation scattered on the barrel. The brass parts are largely discolored and have some scattered light surface oxidation. There are also some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there is some verdigris on the tip of the front tang of the trigger guard, some moderate wear at the tip of the brass cap for the ramrod, and some light verdigris in the grooves of the brass parts. The marking on the top of the barrel remains clear. The screwheads have light tool-marks, but they remain serviceable. Overall, the rifle is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This custom Kentucky Rifle is a .45 caliber flint-lock muzzle-loaded rifle made by an unknown gunsmith. The rifle appears to be a modern replica of the classic North American hunting rifle which was popular with outdoorsmen and hunters throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Although the rifle was normally used for hunting various game, it was used in battle as well. Notably, during the Civil War John W. “Jack” Hinson, also known as “Old Jack,” used a Kentucky Rifle to kill 36 Union officers during the conflict. This gun was likely made sometime between 1970-2000 when interest in black-powder weaponry reemerged (this is a rough estimate). Despite some handling and storage wear, this is an expertly crafted replica with a beautiful hand engraved stock and it remains mechanically sound. This gun was likely made by a gunsmith to custom specifications and the “MM” marking could be either the makers or a former owner’s initials. This is a beautiful Kentucky Rifle that you do not want to miss out on!