Antique Kentucky Rifle by John Armstrong | Collectors Firearms

Made Circa 1790-1800. 44 caliber with a 43” barrel. This gun is untouched in all original condition, The barrel has a dark brown patina throughout. The top of the barrel is marked in cursive script “John Armstrong” The stock is magnificent with raised carved scrolls on the left hand side in his traditional style and carving around the tang and patch box. The patch box is excellent and is classic Armstrong design with the crossed scrolls on the Patch box itself. Armstrong made his own barrels, locks and stocks. He also did his own engraving. His rifles are renown for the quality and balance. Even dealer catalogs going back as far as 1910 show John Armstong rifles as being highly prized.  In the book Thoughts On The Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age by Joe Kindig Jr, Mr. Kindig says “I definitely consider John Armstrong one of the high quality makers of the Golden Age even though I prefer the fine gunsmiths who changed their designs more frequently. Most men who did not vary their designs were not superb workmen, and their designs are usually stilted. John Armstrong ‘s workmanship is magnificent, and his designs are just about perfection. I cannot overemphasize the beauty of his rifles.” This is a a fantastic example of a Kentucky rifle