Dennis Kelley Cap &Ball Kentucky Rifle 36” Muzzleloader 54 Cal. Curly Maple
SOLD FOR: $1,801.00
LSB#: WY240913RL013
Make: D.R. Kelley / Dennis Kelley
Model: Kentucky .54 CAL
Serial#: NSN
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .54 Caliber Ball
Action Type: Percussion Muzzle-Loaded Rifle
Markings: The top flat of the rifle is Marked “D.R. KELLEY”
Barrel Length: 36.75” Octagonal
Weight: 9 Pounds
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch Buckhorn style sight dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is a one-piece hardwood with a brown lock plate, brown butt plate, fine cheekpiece, two thimble pipe tubes, and original wood ramrod installed into the forend. There are very light compressions and handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks in the stock. The LOP is 13.5” from the front trigger to the rear end of the buttstock. Overall the stock rates in excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Browned
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with strong rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. 10/10 bore rating in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are some light handling marks; but nothing of notoriety. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp and remain serviceable. Overall, the rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action does function correctly. The hammer is strong and the trigger is crisp. 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: The rifle comes with a wooden ramrod.
Our Assessment: This Kentucky Rifle is a .54 caliber, Percussion-lock muzzle-loaded rifle. The rifle pays homage to a later version of the classic North American hunting rifle, popular with outdoorsmen and hunters throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Although the rifle was normally used for hunting various game, it was also used in battle. 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. Despite some handling and storage wear, this is an expertly crafted rifle with a Tiger-striped stock and it remains very mechanically sound. This is a fine Kentucky Rifle Crafted by a true American Artisan named Dennis Kelley, that you do not want to miss out on! So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
