Jud and Emily and Little Judson
This left handed flintlock rifle from Jesse Brennan's shop is nearing completion and is just waiting for a slightly warmer day (for sighting in!) and a calming down of the Christmas shipping rush to be sent to its new owner. The author apologizes for the duplication of some of the photos - Blogspot has "updated" i.e. changed its format and new habits and methods are hard for old timers to adapt!
Jud has begun work on an exciting new project - a large bore Jacob Dickert style Rifle with a side opening patchbox. Side opening patchboxes are notoriously tedious and difficult to fashion since they require a complex hidden release mechanism. This rifle is being made for an enthusiastic Jud Brennan collector from Western Kentucky. The original rifle that inspired this project is illustrated on page 75 of the KRA/ James Johnston book Kentucky Rifles and Pistols 1750-1850. This is the only known example of a Dickert Rifle with a side opening patchbox, and if you care to know why it's the only one you should ask Jud!
These photos cannot even begin to do justice to the fit and finish of the patchbox lid and the incredibly smooth release mechanism that opens it. Of course, as was frequently the case in original rifles, the location of the patchbox lid release button is top secret.
The last set of photos show the evolving carving around the tang, the wrist and the cheekpiece.
Many of the pictures illustrating this beautiful and unique rifle were taken by Jud's lovely bride Emily.
