Page 177 - 4096-FLIPBOOK3

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 Ebensburg, 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). This is an very attractive example of Benjamin J. Kough’s work and a rare example of a Mexican-American War era Kentucky rifle with engraving
commemorating that significant moment in American history.
Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000
175