Lot 1173

American Long Rifle with "Lehigh Indian" Engraving & Carving

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American Long Rifle with "Lehigh Indian" Engraving & Carving

Estimate: $5,500 - $8,500

Starting Bid: $4,750

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Desirable Golden Age Smoothbore American Long Rifle with "Lehigh Indian" Engraving and Carving This fascinating early 19th century Pennsylvania "smooth rifle" features the enigmatic "Lehigh Indian" engraved on the patchbox and incised carved at the front of the trigger guard. The exact origin and meaning of this design remains debated by Kentucky rifle collectors and is also noted as a "Lehigh Lady" or "Son of Liberty". The design is found primarily on rifles from the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania in the late 18th century and early 19th century. The incised borders by the patchbox imitate the plates on some of the earlier Lehigh Valley/Northampton County rifles such as No. 63 on page 178 of "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age" by Kindig, and a similar design is raised relief carved around the barrel tang. The smoothbore barrel is equipped with dovetailed blade and notch sights. The lock is unmarked and has a stepped tail with a teat. The mounts are brass and feature wavy line, dash, and floral engraving in addition to the noted Lehigh design on the patchbox finial. The lightly figured maple stock features molding along the forend and butt, small cheekpiece with an eight-pointed star inlay secured by a screw, and incised carving on the butt. The consignor noted the gun as possibly by John Rupp c. 1815.

Manufacturer: American

Model: Kentucky

BBL: 46 inch octagon

Stock: maple

Gauge: .42

Finish: brown/brass

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very good overall with dark brown patina on the barrel and lock plate, replacement cock, dark aged patina on the brass mounts, absent spur on the rear of the trigger guard, distinct engraving and carving, faint cracks int he stock, and fairly light overall wear mainly at the edges and from age. Mechanically functions.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000