Iron Mounted Mountain Rifle by Samuel Keller

[mountainad82]

Dennis had a great idea to post photos of our original long rifles. Here goes...

Presented is an iron mounted muzzleloading rifle made by the Blount County, TN gunsmith Samuel Keller (1817-1883). This percussion rifle was probably built in the 1850-1860 timeframe. The top flat of the barrel is signed with his initials “S.K.”. Samuel was born in Virginia but lived and worked most of his life in the Six Mile community of Blount County, TN. The overall length is 61”, barrel length is 44.5”, caliber is .35, stock is walnut. All furniture is hand forged iron.

[Notchy Bob]

Beautiful!  Thanks for showing it!

I don't think I've ever seen a rifle of that type with a cap box before.

The decorative "rays" on the lock bolt head are also a very nice touch.  The original Mont Plott bear pistol has similar engraving on the exposed end of the drum.  John Bergmann built a replica of this pistol for me and included that simple but attractive feature.

Notchy Bob

[mountainad82]

Beautiful!  Thanks for showing it!

I don't think I've ever seen a rifle of that type with a cap box before.

The decorative "rays" on the lock bolt head are also a very nice touch.  The original Mont Plott bear pistol has similar engraving on the exposed end of the drum.  John Bergmann built a replica of this pistol for me and included that simple but attractive feature.

Notchy Bob

Bob,
Thanks for your kind remarks. This distinctive cap box style is found on rifles made by the Keller and Duncan gunsmiths of Blount County, TN.

Adam

[Daryl]

Now THAT is a special rifle - especially the rear sight.

[Ken G]

Beautiful rifle with nice clean lines.  I love the architecture.  The poured nose cap is pretty cool.  I've seen it before and always wondered if they left the steel bright to match fresh poured lead or did they brown the steel and then blacken the lead? 

Thanks for sharing the pictures for us all to enjoy and learn from.  Nice triggers.

Ken

[Cades Cove Fiddler]

  .... Great rifle, Adam,.... was wondering when you would post here ,... we can click and enlarge  on this site,...... a question,.... is the capbox on yours brass or iron,....?.... I believe the Kellars used both...   how many rammer pipes, including the entry,...? ... thanx,... CCF   

[mountainad82]

Thanks Dana! The box on this rifle is iron. There are three rammer pipes including the entry pipe. They are also iron.

Adam

[Rajin cajun]

That’s one fine rifle ADAM...!

Bob

[mountainad82]

Thanks Bob! Come by and see me in Knoxville!

Adam

[Rajin cajun]

Thanks Bob! Come by and see me in Knoxville!

Adam

Will do Adam, “Good Lord willing, and the Creeks don’t rise”.  Stay well Brother....!
Bob

[Mule Brain]

Like the rifle, and even like the old repairs on it. Thanks for sharing 

[Dennis Glazener]

Nice looking rifle, thanks for posting it.
Dennis

[Algae]

Appears to be in great condition! Thanks for the pictures!

Al Jenkins

[Bob Roller]

Appears to be in great condition! Thanks for the pictures!

Al Jenkins
[/quote

No doubt about this one as being a fine specimen of the SMR and all intact.
Thanks for showing it to us.
Bob Roller

[Gaeckle]

Yeah, that is really a neat piece, there is a lot going on, some obvious and some not so: get a load of the toe plate treatment as it mounts into the butplate.  Very clever.