Peter Neihart Lehigh rifle

[TommyG]

Here is my contemporary Peter Neihart Lehigh rifle recently completed. I used a drawing from Eric Von Aschwege as a general guide for the architecture, then added the subtle step in the wrist. The guide for the carving, engraving & patchbox designs were from Neihart #17 on the KRA Lehigh disc. Most of the carving is incised and chip carving – I would say 80% with the rest being in relief. Neihart definitely had a unique carving and engraving style, almost sort of “folksy” for lack of a better term. However, I tend to believe that Mr. Neihart’s carving was a bit more than “a great day with the V chisel” and does represent some sort of meaning and/or symbolism. I left the sights a bit high for a Lehigh, but they will be filed at sight in.

Barrel – 44” 50 cal. Bobby Hoyt

Lock – Larry Zornes Classic

Triggerguard – Mike Brooks Lehigh

Buttplate – Reaves #13

All other parts were shop made by me

As always, critique and comments are welcome.

Thanks for looking. TommyG

 

[Ray Settanta]

Very nice!

 

[appalichian hunter]

Nice rifle

 

[poker]

Tommy, That rifle is beautiful. I really like that patchbox you made and the zigzag engraving on it.

 

[vintovka]

Very, very nice!!!, Ausgezeichnet!!!

 

[Spikebuck]

Very nice!

 

[dave_person]

Hi Tommy,
What a great gun! I would really like to see photos from the side showing the front of the lock to the butt plate to really get a sense of the architecture.

dave

 

[TommyG]

Thanks guys for your comments.
Dave - let me know if this is what you were looking for. I'm still trying to figure this gun photography thing out, trying different locations and back drops etc.

 

[dave_person]

Hi Tommy,
Thanks. That is exactly what I wanted to see. You got the profile of that gun nicely. Beautiful! I love the funky way the lock is tipped up to the rear or the stock gives that illusion, something often found on Lehighs.

dave

 

[TommyG]

Thanks Dave. I did a lot of research and reading from Ron Gabel and Eric von Ashwege before and as I went along with the build to try and capture the nuances in the architecture that make the lehigh area guns a bit different. The tipped lock being one, no straight lines another - even the cast off is curved. Much of this is not noticeable unless you use a straight edge. It was challenging, but fun!

 

[Whitworth]

I'm a nut and bolts mechanic type of guy, you guys that can turn out beautiful stocks have my deepest admiration. I built my house, and have done motorcycle and aircraft restorations and tinker with my old Porsches but the thought of tackling a gun stock intimidates me.

 

[fjrdoc]

Beautiful. I love the color of the stock.

 

[Terry Lightle]

Beautiful nuff said

 

[Hatman/2nd line]

Beautiful!

 

[Flintandsteel]

Really nice fit and finish, color and architecture. If I could find any fault, I would have to say…… the lock panels are pretty wide. Most of these early guns had very skinny lock panels.

 

[Brazos John]

I think the best photo would be with that rifle hung above my mantle!

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

Excellent work!

 

[MountainSmoke]

I admire your talent and attention to detail. That rifle is a thing of beauty. Very well done.

 

[Jimkinmd]

Absolutely amazing…. Wow!

 

[Brazos John]

TommyG, I admire your craftsmanship! This is the rifle I would buy, if I had an appropriate amount. My folks and I are from Tamaqua and Summit Hill, just over the mountain from the Lehigh Valley. I could only hope my ancestors had such a beautiful rifle.
I wouldn't ask if this is for sale, but would it be rude to ask the other Forum folks what I would have to pay for a comparable rifle?
I love the work that you put into it, and this is asked in admiration. If inappropriate, I certainly withdraw the question.
With great respect,
Brazos John