This slender long rifle is signed "JOHN NOLL" on the top of the barrel. John Noll (1747-1824) was a late 18th and early 19th century gunmaker active in Lancaster and Franklin counties in Pennsylvania. Note the "IN" silver barrel stamp at the breech. Joe Kindig, Jr. notes: "John Noll is the only Kentucky rifle maker I know of who used a little silver mark like this. Marks of this type, but usually with a gold background, were often used by European gunsmiths." Kindig also notes: "John Noll was one of the really great master gunsmiths during the Golden Age of the Kentucky rifle. He made beautiful long slender guns." This rifle certainly fits Kindig's description. The rifle has the classic blade and notch groove sights nearly always found on these early rifles, a full length maple stock with primarily brass furniture including the engraved patch box, engraved silver escutcheons, and intricate carving especially on the left side of the butt below and to the rear of the cheekpiece.

Very good as professionally reconverted to flintlock configuration. The barrel and lock has a dark brown patina and mostly refinished varnish. There is some minor pitting. The brass and silver display an appealing aged patina. The lengthened, totally refurbished stock is very good with some minor cracks and chips, a few well executed repairs, and some smoothing of the carving. The lock functions fine. This is an attractive and desirable rifle made by one of the true Golden Age masters.