Description Overall length: 57 – ½”. Barrel length: 42”. Although this Kentucky rifle is unsigned, it is easily discernible as to its maker, Peter Belles. He was an apprentice of Leonard Reedy of Gratz (himself a former apprentice of John Bonewitz, the master gunsmith of Womelsdorf in Berks County). At first glance, this rifle appears to be by Leonard Reedy; however, while Reedy worked his stocks with relief-carving, Peter Belles appears to have been more comfortable using the incised technique. The magnificent brass patchbox with its detailed engravings is also one that Leonard Reedy used, one very highly prized by collectors today. The finely done incised carvings behind, under, and forward of the cheekpiece are all very graceful, with many curves and accents added to create a more complex pattern. In fact, these patterns are very closely related to Reedy’s work. The carving pattern around the barrel tang is full and complex, with many accents such as the diapering (cross-hatching) and ruffles within the pattern. Architecturally, the graceful “Roman-nose” buttstock follows Reedy’s stock patterns. A feature used by Bonewitz and Reedy, and also Belles, is the use of double riveting for the catch on the patchbox door. Both the 7” long toeplate and the wear plate on the forestock add ornamentation to the rifle’s eye appeal, especially in conjunction with the eight figural silver inlays on the forestock. Another bonus is the original flintlock configuration (signed by Joseph Golcher – a Philadelphia name). The writer has seen a large number of Golcher locks incorrectly re-converted to flintlock, but this lock (original to rifle) is very unique. The rifle is highly pleasing in every respect. The rifle is in its original “as-made” condition including a deeply rifled barrel, original flintlock, and also an original “honey-maple” finish.