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LOT 3248
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 of the 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.