A Kentucky style hexagonal barrel long rifle with J
Douglass marked on the top strap.
This Pennsylvania Birch stock, percussion cap & ball rifle appears
original to the 1830-1845 period (always the potential for a replacement
screw or spring, with a proper brass hand guard, hammer, nipple, and
double set triggers. A side plate with the owner's name (GW Hanmen) is
also attached.
There is expected shallow surface rust, and a split to stock one side
and top, making this example good condition. Our Kentucky long rifle
measures 51 long x 2 x 6.5 inches high and weighs 11 lbs 9 oz..
PROVENANCE: A Charleston South Carolina Private Estate.
Dating on the antique American flintlock & percussion firearms can be
difficult, due to less the lack of exact records preserved by the
original gunsmiths. The suspects for this Kentucky treasure were:
• J
DOUGLAS - Huntington, Ky. Maker of an inlaid, curly maple stock,
percussion rifle; JOHN DOUGLAS - Tyrone, Pa. Late maker of fine Kentucky
rifles; one numbered 28;
• JACOB DOUGLAS, East Springfield, Jefferson Co.,
Ohio. ca. 1830-40; and
• JOHN DOUGLAS Connecticut arms maker of Colonial
and Revolutionary War period. Repaired arms for the Connecticut Commit
tee of Safety, 1777-78.
John Douglas of Connecticut can be eliminated as
his weapons were all flintlock, and likewise, John Douglas of
Pennsylvania, appears to have made much later second generation
examples. J. Douglas of Huntington, Ky. seems to have almost no history,
BUT, Jacob Douglas of East Springfield, Ohio has a documented history
producing this style from ca. 1830-1840.
The Rock Island example is a dead match to 'ours', and was estimated
between $2,000 & $3,000. However, it sold for $960 in 2015.
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