May and June 2025--Examining Folk Art on American Firearms
A Deadly Weapon and Canvas of Art
Throughout its existence, the Kentucky Longrifle has acted as a canvas for talented gunsmiths to etch, carve, and decorate. Customers, nationalism, and just plain creativity drove the old Masters to embellish their works in such a manner that they have been preserved until modern day. During this month’s study, LaMaster Arms will take the reader on a tour of the folk art that ornaments Kentucky Rifles and Pistols.
“The Liberty or Indian Head”
A well known trait of rifles from the Lehigh or Allentown school of longrifles is the Liberty or Indian Head. This character is found on dozens of rifles built by gunsmiths within the school. Its placement is usually forward of the front extension of the triggerguard. In his book, “An Intimate Look at the American Longrifle,” Mr. David Hansen states that the character was a reference to the “Phrygian Cap” of ancient times that was used as a symbol of freedom and liberty during the American Revolution. Others say that the character represents an Indian and there is a rifle in existence that shows a feather adorning the character’s head in a wardress appearance.
LaMaster Arms has had two rifles on consignment that bear the famous “Liberty Head.” First, the character can be found on an attributed Peter Neihart rifle. Rather than an inlay, the Liberty Head is carved in front of the triggerguard—this was not uncommon. Along with being carved, the Liberty Head could be found on silver or brass inlays. Neihart eloquently blends the Liberty Head with gently waving lines and punch marks along the triggerguard.
The second rifle which bears the famed motif is an unsigned piece. Long and slender, the rifle is a perfect example of the classic Lehigh/Allentown stock architecture. The Liberty Head on this rifle is placed in the same location as the attributed Neihart, but on a “saddle plate” inlay. Saddle plates were a way to protect the underbelly of the lower forestock of the rifle while one rested the gun on a horse saddle pommel. The extensions were also a way to hide a ramrod channel drilling mistake!
Although made at least 20 years apart, both rifles display the same defiant character.This shows us, as collectors and students of history, the fierce pride that early Americans felt for their new nation.
“The Grotesque Mask”
Examining pistols and weapons that were manufactured in Europe during the 18th and early 19th century, it is easy to see the influence of Baroque and Rococo design and styling.This sounds especially true when examining the buttcaps of pistols. At LaMaster Arms, we have recently had a few European pistols that have either floral wreath designs, a grotesque mask, or acanthus motif on their buttcaps.
Upon turning to American made pistols, there is an interesting transition from a guild based system of manufacture to the “one man show” gunshop. The American pistol is “less refined” in its casting and motifs, but introduces aspects of folk art to give the piece more character. As examples, please examine these two pistols attributed to Frederick Sell and John Moll.
The attributed Sell pistol is more petite in nature. The exquisite engraving on the buttcap shows a face, yet it appears more friendly or “smiling,” opposed to its European cousins. The artwork itself reflects a style almost like that of scrimshaw. A rococo motif is above the face engraved in a wonderful hand. Engraving also decorates the sideplate and triggerguard.
The attributed John Moll pistol is yet another stunning example of superb early American folk art. The maker clearly wanted this to be a fancier piece in nature, as the pistol furniture is sterling silver and engraved in various areas. However, the eye is drawn to the buttcap once again. Here, the engraving of a lion's head or face is seen–in the same placement as the Sell pistol and its European counterparts. However, the grotesque lion’s face has a federal eagle perched above it. LaMaster Arms attributes this scene as nationalistic pride in the young United States and its triumph over Great Britain–there are a few other rare pieces in the collecting world which display a similar scene!
The two pistols, although American made, reflect a mask placement similar to the European pistols. A simple, yet fascinating reminder that the American gunsmithing ancestry traced its roots back to Europe.
“The Federal Eagle: A Symbol of Fledgling Republic”
Every American is familiar with the Great Seal of the United States–the proud eagle clutching the arrows and its olive branch. In the Federal period following the Revolutionary War, the “Federal Eagle” became a proud folk character that Americans etched, carved, and engraved frequently. The Federal Eagle can be found on items ranging from Kentucky Rifles to Pottery to Grandfather Clocks.
Each time the Federal Eagle was placed on a Kentucky Rifle, it allows observers to appreciate different gunsmith’s interpretation of the newly federal symbol. Let us examine three rifles (of many) that consignors have trusted to LaMaster Arms.
First, the rifle by Samuel States of the York, PA school of gunsmithing. Rather than a carving or engraving, we see the front finial on the patchbox expertly hand cut into the shape of an eagle. This is not a highly typical design, but nonetheless, it is masterful and done in a skillful manner.
Next, we travel southward to Winchester, VA or the surrounding area. The rifle displayed is a restock of Simon Lauck parts. The maker selected Curly Ash to serve as his stock, giving the gun a vibrant “gridlike” look. The Federal Eagle is prominently engraved on the cheek piece. The cheek piece was a common play to find the Federal Eagle during the late 18th century and early 19th century.
Lastly is the latest rifle of the bunch that has the Federal Eagle seen in several places. This rifle, by John D. Brown of Pittsburgh, PA, is engraved in a manner that borders on perfection. Covered by sterling silver inlays and custom cheek art, each piece is masterfully engraved. Dragons, floral designs, and motifs are present, but the Federal Eagle dominates; engraved on the cheek piece and patchbox. Mr. Brown has the beloved bird of prey in multiple poses, including the standing eagle and the wings outstretched “banner bearing” eagle. This engraving is so clean, one could believe Mr. Brown just executed his work.
"Final Thoughts"
In closing, the gunsmiths who built the Kentucky Rifle viewed it as not only a functioning weapon, but a canvas to display artistic abilities. These decorations, ranging in level of skill and styles from near perfect to whimsical folk art, makes the Kentucky Rifle a true American icon.
Sources:
Images from Google Images and LaMaster Arms, INC
Hansen, David. An Intimate Look at the American Longrifle: Its Art and Evolution. Vanguard Publications, 2013.