This rifle has no visible markings but is without a doubt a John Philip Beck (1751-1811) rifle. It bears a very strong resemblance to identified rifles signed by Beck including the guns on page 247 and 248 of "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age" by Joe Kindig, Jr. Note, for example, the very similar patch box designs, the identical side plates, similar style bais relief carving and cheek pieces on the left side of the butts, nearly identical locks, and the matching buttplate and patch box latch designs. It has a post front sight, rifle style notch rear sight, and a single trigger. The underside of the lock is stamped "WL." A slightly oversized wooden ramrod is included. Kindig states that "all J. P. Beck rifles are carved in beautifully designed and well executed high relief. It would be difficult to praise this man's carving too much." Beck's work also shares many similarities with other makers from the Lebanon/Dauphin School including Christian Beck (believed to be his brother) and Nicholas Beyer (believed to have been his apprentice). Beck also manufactured Committee of Safety weapons in support of the patriot efforts during the American Revolution.

Good as reconverted to Flintlock configuration and extensively restored. The barrel and lock have an even dark brown with some pitting and oxidation concentrated at the breech. The brass has a dark aged patina and crisp engraving. The stock is fine as light sanded, repaired, and re-oiled and has a subtle repair in the wrist, a repaired crack on the right side of the forend, material absent at the breech, an absent forend barrel pin, some small chips and cracks, mostly crisp carving, and some beautiful figure. The lock function fine. This is a representative example of Golden Age Kentucky craftsmanship in smooth rifle form.