American Long Rifle Appraisal

Kentucky Percussion Squirrel Rifle

This item is a muzzle-loading percussion long rifle, commonly referred to as a Kentucky or Pennsylvania squirrel rifle, likely a mid-to-late 20th-century reproduction or kit-build based on a 19th-century aesthetic. The firearm features a full-length wooden stock with a warm, reddish-brown stain and a smooth finish. It is heavily ornamented with brass hardware, including a distinctive brass patch box on the buttstock, an elongated decorative trigger guard with a finger spur, and brass thimbles holding the ramrod in place. The long, octagonal barrel is finished with a dark blue or brown patina. A side-mounted percussion lock mechanism is visible, featuring a traditional hammer and nipple assembly. The barrel is secured to the stock with a brass nose cap and an oval brass escutcheon on the forestock. Regarding condition, the metal components show some surface oxidation and minor pitting, particularly around the breech and lock plate, indicative of past use with black powder. The brass elements exhibit a dull patina but appear intact. The wood stock shows minor surface scratches and handling wear but lacks major cracks or structural damage. Its overall craftsmanship suggests it was designed as a functional black powder sporting arm or a high-quality decorative wall hanger.