Lot 1170

Christian Beck Flintlock Golden Age American Long Rifle

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Christian Beck Flintlock Golden Age American Long Rifle

Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000

Starting Bid: $10,000

(0 Bids)

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

Well-Documented Christian Beck Signed, Engraved, and Raised Relief Carved Golden Age Flintlock American Long Rifle with Straight Rifling This rifle is distinctly signed "C. + Beck" on top of the barrel for riflemaker Christian Beck (1782-1861), the son of John P. Beck (see following lot). He is noted as having apprenticed under his father and then worked in his shop in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, for a few years before moving to nearby Jonestown. The barrel is straight rifled allowing use of ball or shot and is equipped with traditional dovetailed blade and notch sights. The underside of the barrel has the "INRI" (Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum/Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews) inscription seen on some of his father's rifles as well as a few by Nicholas Beyer. There is also an old illegible handwritten document in the barrel channel towards the breech end. The inside of the lock plate has an "IEF" stamp. The mounts are brass, including the engraved "whale tail" patchbox. "M + B" appears lightly scratched on the trigger guard finial. The stock features fine molding along the forend and butt, incised scroll carving at the ramrod entry point, nicely shaped drop flats, and raised relief scroll carving at the barrel tang and butt. Bishop first saw this rifle at the 1999 Kentucky Rifle Association meeting in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, when it was part of the Steve Hench Collection and later acquired it from Rudy Gleichman. It was featured in the article "Which Christian Beck Is It? Part II" by Van Pitman in the Kentucky Rifle Association Bulletin, Volume 40, Number 1, Fall 2013.

Manufacturer: American

Model: Flintlock

BBL: 42 1/2 inch octagon

Stock: curly maple

Gauge: .44

Finish: bright/brass

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Steve Hench Collection; The Rudy Gleichman Collection; The Henry Bishop Collection
  • Condition: Very good overall with gray and brown patina on the barrel and lock, fairly mild wear overall, slightly proud trigger guard finial, slight chips and cracks in the stock, generally distinct carving and engraving, and crisp signature. The full-cock notch is insecure, but the lock otherwise mechanically functions. Overall, a very attractive example of Christian Beck's work.

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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