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LOT 156
Very Rare Extensively German Silver Inlaid B. J. Kough Huntingdon, Pa.,
Signed Percussion American Long Rifle - NSN, 45 cal., 39 7/8 inch octagon bbl.,
brown/German silver finish, curly maple stock. This c. 1846-1850 Huntingdon County,
Pennsylvania, long rifle by the talented gunmaker and silversmith Benjamin J.
Kough (1824-1850) is extraordinary. The octagonal barrel is signed with “B. J. Kough.
Huntingdon. Pa.” on an inlaid brass panel on top ahead of the breech attractively
flanked by scroll engraving and features low profile traditional blade and notch sights,
engraved star patterns flanking the front sight, scroll engraving flanking the rear
sight, and a pointed tang secured by two screws. The rifle is equipped with adjustable
double set triggers, and the lock has only a full-cock notch on the tumbler. The
highly figured curly maple stock features engraved brass mounts, including a very
attractive engraved patchbox with triple pierced finial and double pierced side panels.
Additionally, the stock features forty engraved German silver inlays in a variety of
patterns, including a bird, arrows, a tomahawk, hearts, fleur-de-lis shaped finials, and
a fish. The cheekpiece inlay is notably engraved with an eagle, snake, and cactus motif
relating to the coat of arms of Mexico. Similar motifs were popular later for veterans
Mexican-American War, for example carved on the grips of Colt revolvers, but Mexican
motifs are by no means common on American long rifles although engraved patriotic
bald eagle motifs certainly were popular on Pennsylvania long rifles.
This incredibly rare rifle is accompanied by a written biography and description, a
printed copy of the 2014 Winter-Spring Edition of “OWR-CSA Newsletter” featuring an
article by Mark Tyler about the famous Kough “Silver Collection” rifle now on view at
The Met Fifth Avenue’s Gallery 372. The MET notes their example as “one of the finest,
if not the finest, example of a longrifle made in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania,
during the late stages of the American longrifle, or Kentucky rifle, tradition, which
lasted from about 1770 to 1850.” Our current rifle certainly demonstrates his
tremendous skill and is among the most elaborate Huntingdon County rifles in private
hands and shares many features of the “Silver Collection” rifle, including extensive
engraved inlays, the same distinctive double set triggers, and the classic Huntingdon
stock profile.
As discussed in these documents, Benjamin J. Kough (1824-1850) of Huntingdon
County, Pennsylvania, ran advertisements headed with “WAR! WAR!” in the Huntingdon
Journal from November 18, 1846, and February 3, 1847, stating “B. J. KOUGH,
Gunsmith, would most respectfully inform the citizens of Huntingdon and vicinity,
that he has removed to this place, and will be at all times ready to accommodate
those who may favor him with a call, in his line of business. He is fully prepared to do
all work in its various branches, such as manufacturing and repairing Guns, Pistols,
&c., &c., of all descriptions, and at prices to suit the times. He trusts, by attention to
business, to merit public patronage. His shop is on Bath street, a few doors south of
the Exchange Hotel, where he would be pleased to see all who may have anything
to do in his way.” The advertisement’s “WAR! WAR!” heading and inclusion of a man
in military uniform indicates he was aiming to capitalize on the Mexican-American
War which had broken out earlier that year. Pennsylvania supplied two regiments of
volunteers for the war. Kough died in Edensburg, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, when
he was only 26 years old and thus only a limited number of his rifles were ever made.
Tyler indicates only approximately ten are known today. The consignor indicated
he is only aware of five signed Kough rifles, and that only his example featured the
Huntingdon, P.A., marking.
CONDITION: Fine overall with dark brown patina on the barrel and lock, moderate
oxidation/pitting at the breech, attractively aged patina on the brass and German
silver, generally distinct engraving, replacement forend cap and lock, beautiful figure
along the stock, chips and repairs at the lock mortise, one absent inlay below the
cheekpiece, small piece of the lower patchbox side panel, and fairly mild overall wear.
Mechanically fine (set trigger first).
Estimate: 27,500 - 42,500
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