Jacob earnest

[Shive62]

Hello
I recently acquired what is believed to be a Jacob earnest rifle? Any information would be appreciated thanks shive62

[Shreckmeister]

There is alot of information published about Earnest.  My favorite story is of his relative Indian Eve.  I only live a few miles from where his shop was located and his rifles
rarely surface, but he did some great work.  Gunsmiths of Western PA book by Dr. Whisker has a good bit of info on him.

[Shive62]

Thanks for the information. I located this rifle in southern Ohio. Will try to purchase the book.

[LynnC]

Please post some photos if possible. We would love to see your rifle.

[Shive62]

[jltskfl]

Hello.

I currently reside in Jacob Earnest's house in Delmont, PA.  I'd like to someday have one of his rifles displayed in the house.  If you ever decide one day to sell, can you please notify me?  Or, if anyone else ever comes across one, let me know?  Thanks.  -John

[Tanselman]

Is the rifle's barrel signed or initialed? From what I see in your posted photos, while it may be an Earnest, it has some details that don't seem consistent with Jacob's work; 1) side facings with flattened rear end, 2) patchbox hinge that extends across the full width of patchbox instead of just across the lid, 3) patchbox engraving that seems less polished than Jacob Earnst's work; single trigger and larger flattened area at base of cheekpiece.

Again, you may have a late Jacob Earnest rifle where he modified some of his earlier details. However, it would be worth checking the source listed on the tag to see what rifle they are basing their attribution on, to make sure it's a solid attribution.

Shelby Gallien

[Shreckmeister]

Is the cheekpiece star made of silver with a coat of shellac over it?  It appears silver around the edges where the wear is.  Anyway, every example I have seen of his
work had a sideplate that stepped in and narrowed the last half inch or so toward the muzzle.  The sideplate panels usually terminated in a point toward the butt and this does not.
Since the tag says PA or Ohio, I assume it is not signed.  Hard to tell from your photos, but I would say more research is warranted.  The triggerguard is his overall shape,
but he usually filed facets in them.  I would say regionally, you are in the right area.

[Shive62]

Thanks for all the information. I’m not a collector and am not sure who could have made the rifle, but it’s very old and who knows what was done or how it was made over 100 years ago. I’m gonna have fun shooting it. And original rifle s are hard to find. So I’m going to take it to the range tomorrow and make some smoke!!! Will let you know how it shoots.

[smylee grouch]

What is the connection between Jacob and Adam Earnest if any ?