^Lot 946 Rare Westmoreland County, PA Kentucky Rifle Signed by B. McDowell

Percussion Kentucky rifle made in Ligonier, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, circa 1850. Rifle measures overall 56" with 41" octagon rifled barrel in 38 caliber with hunting sights and signed in script "B. McDowell". Bard McDowell was a sometimes gunsmith and shopkeeper from the Ligonier area. More information on McDowell can be found in the book "The Western Pennsylvania Rifle", by Richard Rosenberger and Charles Kaufmann. Rifle has a percussion Joseph Golcher lock with turned front trigger and rear set control. Full curly maple stock with cheekpiece with incise carving. Forestock has molding line and incise carving at tailpipe. Stock has typical Western PA brass hardware with unique two piece floral engraved patchbox with heart piercing and lid held in place with tapered wooden pin. Stock also has brass saddle plate, brass moon cheek inlay and brass thumbpiece. Comes with hardwood ramrod. CALIBER: 38. FFL STATUS: Antique.
CONDITION
Overall good appearance with metal having a brown patina and brass having been coated with lacquer. Wood has been cleaned with crack in forestock and poor repair at the last ten inches of forestock. Dark bore with mechanics needing work.