Hershel House (1941-2024) of Woodbury, Kentucky, is a legend in contemporary longrifle culture and the larger muzzleloading community as the founder of the "Woodbury School" along with his talented younger brothers Frank and John. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a very versatile and talented artist and craftsman focused on traditional muzzleloading firearms and other related items such as forged knives as well as the restoration and conservation of antiques. He also passed on his skills to numerous other gunmakers and thus was a key figure in keeping traditional American muzzleloading going. The Hershel House and the Woodbury School Foundation, Inc. was formed in his honor to keep that legacy going after his passing earlier this year. This rifle was built in the traditional Southern Longrifle fashion, in particular in the style of original Tennessee rifles. The swamped octagonal barrel features traditional blade and notch sights and is crisply signed "H House" in script. The long tang reaches all the way back to the nose of the comb. The lock is marked "MM/MASLAM/WARRANTED" and has some floral engraving. The rifle is equipped with adjustable double set triggers and forged iron furniture.

Very fine with Hershel House's distinctive antiqued finish, some light oxidation, and generally minor overall wear. The lock and trigger lock-up are a little finicky, but it is mechanically functional.