A Jaeger Rifle from the Distant Past

An enthusiastic and knowledgeable collector from Owensboro, Kentucky found and purchased this impressive Jud built Jaeger Rifle at the CLA 25th Anniversary Show. This rifle is unique in many ways.

First off, it is the first rifle that Jud completed after reaching Alaska, but it was started in East Lansing before Jud moved his family to Tenderfoot Hill, near Delta Junction. It has only Jud's name in small letters on the lock side of the barrel - Jud did not start numbering his rifles and knives until the next rifle which was the first that he started and finished in Alaska.

The gold in the prominent gold inlays, (which are three dimensional, and contain lots of gold) was from gold that Jud himself and a local friend panned from tailings adjacent to Tenderfoot Creek which is close by Jud's property when he first arrived in Alaska. At the time, the price of gold was quite low - less than $200 per ounce, which may partly explain the exuberance and quantity of the gold inlays. 

All the precise and fine engraving and gold inlay work was done by Coleman Lantern in Jud's temporary shop which at the time was a small room in his house. Jud did not acquire electricity for his property until a number of years later.

I am overjoyed to know that this fine Brennan Rifle, this impressive work of art, has found a knowledgeable and appreciative home among true Brennan enthusiasts in Owensboro!