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LOT 3190
Highly Desirable Engraved and Relief Carved John Noll
Attributed Percussion Conversion Smoothbore Golden
Age American Long Rifle - NSN, 50 cal., 43 inch octagonal
bbl., unknown finish, maple stock. This “Golden Age” American
long rifle or Kentucky rifle is attributed to the well-known
gunmaker John Noll (1747-1824) of Lancaster and Franklin
counties in Pennsylvania. It features an approximately .50
caliber smoothbore barrel with swamped profile and low
profile dovetailed blade and notch sights. The barrel is secured
by four brass keys and a single tang screw. The flat beveled
lock has grooves cut in the tail and a lightly engraved hammer.
The rifle is equipped with a plain single trigger and engraved
brass mounts. The maple stock features fine molding along
the forend, drop flats, and extensive rococo scroll carving on
the wrist and left side of the butt with floral and crosshatch
accents. Joe Kindig Jr. in “Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle
in Its Golden Age” noted that “All of John Noll’s carving is
masterful, and although he did not repeat a design on any of
these guns, there are little similarities of detail and technique
that mark his hand...I must repeat that John Noll really was a
master. He was one of the great Kentucky rifle makers who
should be thoroughly investigated and studied.” A comparison
between this gun and the examples pictured in Kindig’s book
show clear similarities in the stock architecture and carving. It
also compares well to other John Noll rifles we have had the
pleasure of cataloging.
This rifle is accompanied by a hand-written description of the
gun from noted collector and author Stephen D. Hench who
wrote, “This unsigned Kentucky rifle requires no signature as
the rifle’s quality identifies it as being made by the master
gunsmith ‘John Noll’! His rifles are one of those that while
extremely rare, are in the top category of desirability. This rifle
carries all of the exceptional carving that is seen only on the
finest signed John Noll rifles, which are extremely rare and
sought out by the sophisticated [collectors] of Kentucky rifles,
as his work is at the acme of the highest quality. The rifle is
profusely carved in all areas of the (curly) maple stock with
rococo designs. This carving can be seen in the rear or entry
ferrule for the ramrod, as well as around the barrel tang,
both sides of the wrist, and behind the finely carved
cheekpiece! All of the carving and fine architecture of the
stock portray the finest skill and aesthetic designs, inclusive
of both the lockplate and the corresponding side-plate
complete the balance of the raised carving. The ferrules for
the ramrod, the trigger guard, and the buttplate personify
his highly skilled and precise hand! A very interesting aspect
of this flintlock rifle (now in percussion) is that in its lifetime
a brass patchbox was added by one of its owners! The
patchbox and toe plate, both later additions, show the
distinct hand and design of either George Schroyer or
John Fondersmith, two local gunsmiths in York County,
where John Noll passed through when he traveled
and located from Lancaster County as he then finally
re-located to Franklin County. Most appealing is
that the fully engraved patchbox has a heraldic (or
quasi-military design) engraved pattern on its lid
(or door) with halberd-like tomahawks as well as
other detailed engraving, which is in a deeper-
cut hand than that of John Noll. The entire rifle
is in its original outstanding condition
including its finish and exceptionally
crisp carving.”
CONDITION: Fine with highly attractive
untouched original dark brown patina on
the lock and barrel, mild oxidation and
pitting concentrated at the breech, deep
aged patina on the brass mounts, generally
distinct engraving, and fairly minor overall
wear for a Kentucky rifle. The stock is also very fine and has
some flash wear at the breech, small chips at the edges of the
mortises, distinct carving and molding, minor cracks in the left
side of the butt, and the same rather minor overall wear as the
metal. Mechanically fine. An outstanding example of a relief
carved “Golden Age” Kentucky rifle!
Provenance: The Stephen D. & Marcia P. Hench Collection.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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