Lehigh/Allentown patchbox

[MeliusCreekTrapper]

I am in the planning stages of a Lehigh/Allentown style rifle build. I have one already, styled heavily after the Hermann Rupp rifle from the TOTW plans. I am wanting something different, yet still Lehigh style. As far as the patchbox is concerned, I see lots of originals with the same two piece patchbox. Are there any originals with wooden patchboxes? Or with a side opening patchbox like the Bucks county guns?
Thanks for any insight.

[Eric Kettenburg]

Many with wood boxes.  Wood boxes hung on in the Northampton/Lehigh region longer than most other areas.

The KRA Lehigh disc has great photos of a very slender rifle that was recently auctioned (I think Morphy's off top of head) that has been attrbuted by some to John Rupp with a side opener.  Very unique.

[MeliusCreekTrapper]

Thanks, Eric. Decision time. I have a fancy, 4 piece side opening patchbox kit, I could work the lid down smaller, it's quite large. Or do I go with the time tested wood box?

I think I found a low res image of the John Rupp rifle in that auction, looks the patchbox has a little nipple on the tip, very interesting for sure. Are there any high res images available on line? I am not familiar with the KRA discs.

[MeliusCreekTrapper]

Found the KRA shop online and have the Lehigh disc on the way. Thank you for that information.

[Eric Kettenburg]

https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/_A__EARLY_AND_FINE_CARVED_FLINTLOCK_KENTUCKY_RIFLE-LOT512478.aspx

This should link to the original listing and more photos.  This rifle is attributed, but is not signed.  And it's not "early."  Probably 1790s, it's quite delicate and slender.

[MeliusCreekTrapper]

Thank you for the link. That is indeed a fine rifle. Delicate and slender is definitely the look I am after.

[smart dog]

Hi,
For something Lehighish but different look at the rifle below.  It is modeled somewhat on RCA 52 but is slimmer in the wrist.  Anyway, my point is it offers a slightly different style but definitely early eastern PA, and it has a wooden box lid.

dave

[J. Talbert]

Allen Martin did a bench copy.

http://www.allenmartinrifles.net/gallery-of-guns/rupp-rifles-bethlehem/

It’s the second of these two Lehigh.

Jeff

[MeliusCreekTrapper]

Smart dog, that is a beautiful rifle for sure. I was somewhat torn between another Lehigh and that very rifle. I do really like the curve of the butt on the Lehigh rifles, that shape just really appeals to me.

Jeff, I definitely looked at Allen's site for inspiration. I do like to have an original for reference also.

[J. Talbert]

Here’s my current project with a wood box,





Jeff

[MeliusCreekTrapper]

Jeff, I'd sure like to see more of that rifle. Those curves look great.

[J. Talbert]

Here’s some pix from a previous post.  I’ve made a little progress since then but no new pix as yet.

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=68004.0

I’ll see if I can snap a few later.

Jeff

[MeliusCreekTrapper]

I remember that thread. Beautiful work. Looking forward to seeing progress on that piece.

[Mike Brooks]

These guns may help with your box decision. The side slapper was made from the same brass box you were considering modifying.

[MeliusCreekTrapper]

Very nice guns Mike. I have been admiring your Lehighs for a while.

I think I have decided to go with the side opening box. I will modify the lid I have to replicate the original's lid shape as you did.

Thank you all again, I am sure there will be a plethora of questions as this build starts. This will be my father's second Lehigh build. We are hoping to get more of the little details correct. His first is a very passable Lehigh style, but misses some of the finer points I'd really like to capture in this rifle. No fault of his either, he relies on me to do all of the research and critique as he builds them.

[Mike Brooks]

My best advice is to lay out your pattern with 1 1/2" drop at the comb off the top of the barrel. Otherwise you'll get a slap in the face.

[MeliusCreekTrapper]

Thanks for that advice Mike. The first one my dad built me, in 54, will definitely kiss you if you have your face too far forward. As I have read in other threads here, a more upright head helps a ton with reducing the cheek slap. I have a hunch (I have not measured it) that the comb is a touch high.

I am going to draft a full size drawing before we cut anything. I'll be sure to post and ask for critiques.