“AS FOUND” JACOB WELSHANS SIGNED CARVED & ENGRAVED FLINTLOCK RIFLE, EX-KINDIG COLLECTION, CIRCA 1790
inv # 01-18497

Overall length: 55.25″

Cal. .44. NSN. 55.25” Overall, 44.5” oct. smoothbore bbl. signed in script “J. Welshans” between 2 signature crosses made from stamped stars. Fixed notch rear sight & inset brass blade front sight. This rifle is pictured & described in “Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age” by Joe Kindig, Jr. 1960, (pages 345-347, No. 150). Jacob Welshans worked in York County & is listed in the tax records between 1779 & 1807. His shop built rifles for American battalion of riflemen in 1792 during George Washington’s 1st term as President.

This elegant rifle is in beautiful condition w/ incised carved C-scrolls, incised perimeter lines & checkered wrist. Rifle is brass mounted w/ 4 piece engraved patch box. Engraving on sideplate is described by Kindig as “embryonic bird– the wings but not the body”. There is a silver vacant thumb plate & engraved silver Hunter’s Star on cheekpiece. Toe plate has similar engraving on either side of patch box door release button