Dennis Kelley Cap & Ball Kentucky Rifle 42” Muzzleloader 50 Cal Curly Maple
SOLD FOR: $2,250.00
LSB#: WY240913RL014
Make: Dennis R. Kelley
Model: Kentucky .50 CAL
Serial#: NSN
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .50 Caliber Ball
Action Type: Flintlock Muzzle-Loaded Rifle
Markings: The top flat of the rifle is Marked “D.R. KELLEY”. Ornate filigree adorns the patch box.
Barrel Length: 42” Octagonal
Weight: 8 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 Curly Maple with a brown lock plate, brass butt plate, finely shelved cheekpiece, fluted thimble pipe tubes, and original wood ramrod installed into the forend. There are very light 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 and Brass
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. There is white polish in some of the slots. 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 and Patchbox installed.
Our Assessment: This Kentucky Rifle is a .50 caliber, flintlock muzzle-loaded rifle. The rifle pays homage to a version 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-sized 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. Despite some handling and storage wear, this is an expertly hand-crafted rifle with a Curly Maple stock, and it remains in excellent condition. This is a fine Kentucky Rifle crafted by a true artisan that you rarely get to see on the market. 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.
