Signed ” C B ” Christian Beck III, Connersville, Indiana ca 1835

Product Description

Christian Beck III, who trained in John Bonewitz’ shop, worked in many places throughout his life. He moved from Martinsburg, (now) WV to Connersville, Indiana in 1831. His son Christian was a gunsmith there as well and Christian III may have worked with him. The rifles bares similarity in architecture to ones he made in Williamsport and Martinsburg in the late 1820’s. There can be little doubt that Christian signed this rifle as the script is exactly the same as the script on his rifles of the late 1820’s.

This example has a wonderful old surface and in untouched condition. The 43″ rifled barrel is about .38 cal and was never rebreeched. Of interst is the unusual attachment of the lock; there are no through lock bolts only a bolt threaded into the barrel tang from the lock. This may be an Indiana detail. Also of interest is the tobacco tag pinned to the butt stock which is usually seen on eastern Tennessee rifles. Minor losses to edge of fore stock is the only apology to the condition.