J.P. Beck research

[Mauser06]

Besides the library on this site, where would a guy find good reference material for building a rifle in the style of Beck? 

I have RCA books. I have several online book marks etc. I also have Eric's blueprint.

Just thought I'd ask and see what else is available.


As of probably tomorrow I will have a new build waiting for me. It's already been shaped by Mark Wheland in the style of Beck. I've always been drawn to Becks and the earlier Lancasters.

I have another plank ready to build as well..

So I want to do my homework and be able to finish a rifle that is somewhat in the style of Beck.   

[smylee grouch]

Kindigs book Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in it's Golden Age and Susanne Warren-Bicio's book The Book of Lancaster Carving Details for the Gunmaker come to mind.

[Mauser06]

I do have Susan's book as well! 
I didn't consider Kindig's book..Ive always considered Golden Age to be later rifles. I will have to get a copy.  Still building my library.

[VP]

One other good source is the Kentucky Rifle Foundation's CD entitled "2012 President's Display, 50th Anniversary" that is for sale on their website. It has two great Beck rifles photographed with enough dimensions to build one plus details photographs on the carving and engraving. They also have a book by Dave Hanson that has a great Beck rifle in it with all the dimensions.
http://kentuckyriflefoundation.org/krf-store/

VP

[Mauser06]

Thanx VP!  Forgot about those discs. I have the 2010 Lehigh disc and it's great. I didn't know what to expect with the discs. I figured I'd order one and check it out before ordering others. Have since kinda forgotten to order others I was interested in.

I don't remember my Lehigh disc having any measurements or dimensions though.  Maybe it doesn't and the 2012 disc does?   

RCA and Eric's drawings will have plenty of dimensions as well...

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Is JP Beck not of Lebanon Co. rather than Lancaster?

[ptk1126]

Some years ago, I posted a lot of pix and detailed measurements of the "Washington" Beck
on display at the Frazier Museum. You should be able to find it in the archives.

All the best
Paul

[moleeyes36]

Is JP Beck not of Lebanon Co. rather than Lancaster?

I always see JP Beck listed as a Lebanon/Dauphin County gun maker rather than a Lancaster maker.  However, that area was all part of Lancaster Co until 1785 when it became part of Dauphin County and in 1813 it became part of Lebanon County.  Since JP Beck lived from 1751 to 1811, before the area became part of Lebanon County, perhaps the confusion could be that JP Beck was born in what was called Lancaster County at the time? 

http://kentuckyriflefoundation.org/pennsylvania/beck-john-p/

[rich pierce]

I recall Homer Dangler making the Lion Beck. I had his “catalogue” once upon a time but don’t know where it went.

[smart dog]

Hi,
Dangler's "lion" Beck is shown in Robert Weil's "Contemporary Makers of Muzzleloading Firearms". 

dave 

[Majorjoel]

There are some very nice detailed pictures (in full color) of the "Lion Beck" rifle in the book, "Masterpieces of The American Longrifle" The Joe Kindig Jr. Collection, by Patrick Hornberger & Joe Kindig III. 

This includes a stunning image of the lion carving on the books dust jacket.

[t.caster]

Hey Joel, now I know we have to get together sometime so I can see the book you mentioned....and the progress on your Ash Jaeger!
Have a great Christmas and New Year!

[Mauser06]

Ptk, I have that post book marked. I'm sure I'm not the only one that appreciates you sharing.  Thank you! 


This build won't be a bench copy. But I'd like to try to turn out something that can atleast be recognized as a rifle built in the style of Beck.

I want to have it finished before May. I'm not sure if I will attempt the carving or not.  Will see what my practice is looking like when that time comes.