Extremely Rare and Fine Carved and Figured Maple, Engraved Brass and Steel Flintlock American Long Rifle, John George Rupp (1721-1807), Macungie Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Circa 1775

There are few records that detail the elder John George Rupp’s (1721-1807) trade as a gunsmith, and the genealogical records of the Rupp family in relation to their gun manufacturing activity further complicates the identification of Rupp rifles, making them of utmost rarity. This is the earliest signed John Rupp rifle known and generally considered the earliest signed rifle made in the Lehigh Valley. This beautifully aged rifle exhibits early, Pre-Revolutionary war attributes as well as those indicative of Lehigh Valley. The gun possesses overall heavier architecture compared to the later rifles as well as a wonderful early roman-nose profile. The decoration is elegantly understated, featuring a dark, dry surface over a subtle curly maple stock with delicately incised carving that includes early foliate C-scrolls on the buttstock, forward the cheekpiece and patchbox, and lower butt molding. The Lehigh Valley ‘Indian head,’ is a feature solely used by this region that is incised with charming naiveite forward of the trigger guard. Foliate designs curling around the base of the ramrod pipe extend in straight lines along either side of the forestock terminating at the muzzle cap. The architecture of the rifle counters its delicate ornament, featuring a more abrupt flat butt plate, thick stock, protruding cheek piece, and broad wrist. The octagonal barrel tapers towards the middle but then flares at the muzzle. The faceted ramrod is yet another early component, which is most definitely period and possibly original. To directly quote Kindig on this Pennsylvania long rifle, “this is a rather choice rifle by a maker whose work is rare.”

Please note that Historic Rock Ford of Lancaster, Pennsylvania has extended the invitation to include this rifle in their upcoming exhibition Long Rifles of the American Revolution: How Lancaster Craftsmen Helped Win, June 1, 2022-October 30, 2022. A comprehensive packet regarding loan information has been prepared for the purchaser of this rifle to explore this opportunity. For further information on Historic Rock Ford, see https://historicrockford.org/long-rifles-of-the-american-revolution/.