(A) FINE RELIEF CARVED "GOLDEN AGE" FLINTLOCK KENTUCKY

This rifle, made by Beck in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, is featured and discussed in an article titled "John Philip Beck, American Master Gunsmith" by Mike D'Ambra on pages 18-21 of Vol. 36, No. 2 of "Man at Arms" Magazine from April of 2014. For another J.P. Back rifle with a nearly identical patchbox, see page 73 of "Arms Makers of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania" by Stacy Wood Jr. and James B. Whisker. The full-length 43 - 1/2" .56 caliber smoothbore octagonal barrel is inscribed "J.P. Beck" and has a brass front sight and a notched fixed iron rear sight. The flat lockplate is unmarked and has beveled edges as well as a molding at the tail. The brass furniture is classic J.P. Back in style with a four-piece engraved patchbox, a flat sideplate with beveled edges and a faceted trigger guard. There is a vacant silver oval-shaped wrist escutcheon surrounded by and incorporated into the relief-carved foliate scrolls around the barrel tang and on the wrist. There is also a silver eight-point star inlaid above the cheekpiece. The full length figured maple stock is of classic Lebanon form and has shaped relief panels around the lock and sideplate with incised accents. There are incised lines on the forend terminating in double scrolls on both sides around the ramrod entry ferrule. There is relief carving around the comb and also relief and incised scrolls on both sides of the wrist. On the left side of the buttstock, behind the cheekpiece, there is a masterfully executed relief and incised 'C' scroll design. The rifle is complete with a properly replaced wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a spotted light brown surface, signature shows some wear but is clearly visible, some restoration around touch hole area of breech. Lock is a good professional reconversion and retains a dark surface. Brass has been polished and shows some wear and scattered marks from use. Both tangs of trigger guard show good professional repairs. Stock shows some light wear, scattered marks and minor age cracks and a few minor splinters professionally replaced along both sides of forend along barrel as well as a small piece around rear lock retaining screw. This is a fantastic example of a signed J.P. Beck rifle made at the height of his career with fully developed form and carving. A truly classic Golden age rifle. PROVENANCE: Mike D'Ambra Collection. DMG Barrel Length: 43 - 1/2" Caliber/Bore: .56 Smoothbore FFL Status: Antique Manufacturer: J.P. Beck Model: Kentucky Rifle Serial Number: NSN