Lehigh Valley Rifles

[SgtErv]

I've thought long and hard about a kit after refinishing an old CVA. It's a skill set I don't have yet, though, at least not for something like a Pennsylvania rifle even if it was in the white. In time, perhaps. I keep an eye out for old neglected pieces I can refinish and learn on, replace locks and such to get an idea of the work.

The first example there, the Bethlehem, is a fine looking rifle for sure. I see what you mean by being more robust while keeping some of the features. Thank you for sharing. I've heard a few of these builders' names that you all have mentioned a few times, and their websites are informative.

I can't say enough how much I appreciate this. An investment like this is like a car or something. Worked hard to save for it, did my learning on some less than quality flinters and here I am.

I've got some reading to do. There will be many builders within my region at a show in a couple of weeks. Plan on doing some investigating there. You all have for me pointed in the right direction

 

[Col. Batguano]

Not all Lehigh builders used a double radius curve in the wrist step. That feature is more common in the Rupp and Moll guns than the others like Young, Kuntz, Hawk, Neidhart, Long, etc. I suggest you get the KRA disc on Lehighs and study all the details (like barrel flat coverage, BP shape and mounting, wrist profile and cross section). Those are the fine points that people often miss. Then for your first gun, try to copy one of those on the disc.

 

[user 922]

I wrote an article tracing the history of some of the Bucks (not Buck's) County gunsmiths for the KRA Bulletin a couple of years ago. I would be happy to e-mail a .pdf copy if requested.

There's still a lot to be uncovered about the "school" and it could have, actually, originated in Montgomery (then Philadelphia) County near the Antes Plantation. Jacob Daub lived there and the Weicker family passed through. There were lots of Shulers and an interesting Andreas Werner - stuff for further study.

The guns that are commonly identified as "Bucks County" were produced during a narrow time period - mid 1790s to around 1810. They are not correct for a 1770s interpretation.

 

[Captjoel]

Greetings,

(This may be in the wrong section, forgive me if it is).

I've been doing a lot of research to find a rifle that fits exactly what I want. I've pinned it down to the Lehigh Valley school, like Rupp but a little earlier. The graceful curves, I think, are a work of art.

Do you all have any examples of these rifles in your collection? How did you go about purchasing one? Do you have specific recommendations for builders or vendors?

Thanks. I know it's open ended, just trying to make as much of an informed decision as I can.

I have owned a couple of interesting original Lehigh valley longrifles over the years and really enjoy all of the special details from this areas gun makers! The first rifle was attributed to have been made by John or Jacob Schneider, ca 1800. It had been converted to percussion later in it's working life. The barrel was stamped on it's bottom flat near the breech "D Christ" an early barrel maker.

 

[Captjoel]

 

[Captjoel]

 

[F.G. Ford]

Very interesting thread!
I'm no pro ( much less than ), but learned a lot in a few moments.
Thank you!
Fred

 

[Captjoel]

And here is another with very different architecture but still from the area. This one was made and signed by the mysterious "J D" whom I believe was Jacob Deemer.

 

[SgtErv]

That's an intresting specimen there, thanks for sharing!

 

[Twisted_1in66]

I thought the first of the Bucks County rifles made an appearance in 1775...not so?

Twisted_1in66 :thumbsup:
Dan

 

[Stophel]

You're not going to find a Shuler/Werner type Bucks county rifle near 1775.

There is a fantastic "proto-Bucks/Northampton" gun that, no doubt, is 1770's, and is my absolute favorite gun (I think probably by a "fresh off the boat" German gunsmith).... and has probably twice the mass of the typical Werner gun. :grin:

 

[Mickc01]

Beautiful rifles, Capt, thanks for sharing....Mick :hatsoff:

 

[rich pierce]

There's a William Antes rifle with Bucks County architecture and guard which is estimated as 1770s. Might be 1780s. Has a daisy headed box. #42 in Rifles of Colonial America has a side opening brass box as does the Deschler smooth rifle and both are around 1770. The Leyendecker patch box is dated 1777 and is a side opener that would look at home on a Bucks County rifle. But the full blown Bucks County style did not emerge until the 1790s by best estimate.

 

[SgtErv]

I went to a show today and got to see and handle a lot f different rifles. (Including an antique Lehigh). There was something about the way it fit that was off. I'm of average height but it felt like I was scrunching down. They're beautiful guns - works of art - and they balanced really well. Still, for some reason they felt...small maybe is the word? And I'm pretty sure my cheekbone wouldn't have survived the recoil.

World of difference seeing pictures of these rifles and handling them. First time for me seeing a lot of the different types of long rifles.

The winner today was an Isaac Haines. Fits like a glove. Another post upcoming

Of course, now that I've got that I'm really hooked bad so we'll see what the future brings haha