Hey folks, I have an circa 1830 Kentucky Long Rifle, and I was hoping to get an honest appraisal. I've emailed multiple appraisal websites and they are taking weeks to get back to me. And I'm not sure if the appraisals are completely honest either, since they also buy antique guns. This is what I know: Barrel Engravings: JL Frame Engravings: Marranted ? Can’t read it perfectly Condition Percentage: unsure. Looks in great condition Complete Serial Number: I don’t see one. Date of Manufacture: 1830 according to a note Caliber – Gauge: .31 Weight: 8.2lb (approx) Barrel Length: 35.5” Length of Pull: (Distance from trigger straight back to the rear butt of gun) 16” Your Estimated Value: My great Uncle said it was worth about 30k. He had 16 guns that were all quite old. I think he had it appraised at one time. If I can help in any other way, don't hesitate to contact me. Perhaps there's a hidden spot where the serial is located that you could tell me, something like that. Name: Steve Becotte 858 774-8007
While its hard to get a real feel for what you have from pictures on the internet my real thought is its not a complete rifle from that era. The barrel and upper workings do not match the stock or the stock and inlays have been done at some point in a more modern time. I think its conceivable some one has taken a stock kit from a modern repo of a 1800's rifle and married it to an 1800's rifle barrel. I had a guy give me some parts from some old rifles like this and I passed them on to someone else who might use or dispurse them to others that could. The action parts looks very much like whats on your rifle.
Steve- I'm by no means an expert, so please take this only as observation: As previously mentioned, the stock and barrel don't seem to match. The stock is, for all intents and purposes, museum quality if dated correctly. It also appears the furniture (the brass box, trigger guard, inlays, etc.) have been 'shined up'. Unfortunately, that can take away from the collector value. If dated correctly, it most assuredly was an expensive rifle and probably will have identifying marks somewhere. Best of luck in your quest. You may gain some insights by talking to Civil War or Revolutionary War reenactors in your area. Some of those folks are very knowledgeable and may point you in the right direction.
