This rifle is a classic example of an American long rifle that saw use by multiple generations of a single family. While these rifles are works of art, they were also important tools for those who owned them. They would have been relied upon to keep a family safe, used if called on for military service, provided much needed sustenance, been utilized for sport such as shooting marks, and served as a reminder of the family's journeys. An inscription panel is located on the top barrel flat between the breech and rear sight flanked by molding lines and is inscribed "W. L. Lenhart." The German silver oval inlay on the cheekpiece has an engraved border and "J Alb" inscription. An included letter of provenance written to "Mr. Kindig" on August 15, 1921, indicates the rifle was built by Jacob Albright for W. Lewis Lenhart and used for hunting by multiple members of the family, including Lewis Lenhart, the final owner within the family. It was also used by his uncle Isaac R. Lenhart during the Civil War and after war for hunting and defense in the West. Private Lenhart is listed in government records as a member of the Company B "Biddle Rifles" in the 7th Regiment of Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry and then in Company I in the 190th Regiment of Pennsylvania Infantry. He fought in many engagements, including Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Hatcher's Run, Appomattox Court House, and Lee's surrender, before mustering out on June 28, 1865. The rifle is pictured on page 1313 of "Biographical Encyclopedia of Juniata Valley Vol. III" (published 1897). The entry on W. L. Lenhart (1837-1885), a sawmill owner from Liverpool, Perry County, Pennsylvania, indicates that Isaac was not heard of after presumably heading to the West. The rifle is late for a flintlock and retains "Golden Age" details less often found on late rifles, including the distinctive Roman nose stock profile and carving on the butt. It also has late features such as walnut for the stock and checkering. It is equipped with the standard style of blade and notch sights and has double set triggers. The lock is unmarked but has two molding lines at the rear, and the engraving is confined to the "daisy head" patch box, which has 11 piercings, and the cheekpiece. Multiple Albright family rifles and other articles are known with similar "J Alb" signatures. The maker is clearly Jacob Albright Jr. (1803-1884) of Centre County, PA, and Wayne Country, OH, rather than his father given the date of birth of the original owner. Little is definitively known about the Albrights/Albrechts, but Jacob Albright (Sr.), testified during the conspiracy/treason trial against Aaron Burr and had been hired to build a kiln and other items for Burr's alleged plot to start an insurrection in Spanish held territory and had been asked to join the expedition but declined because he wished to remain with his family. Other witnesses in the trial included a young Andrew Jackson prior to his War of 1812 exploits and subsequent presidency. Jacob Jr. showed President Jackson a finely inlaid rifle many years later in Washington. Provenance: Lenhart Family (mid-1900s-1921), Joe Kindig Jr. (1921-?), and Robert Bretherton.

Good as reconverted to flintlock configuration. The barrel and lock have dark brown tones, light oxidation, and minimal pitting. The brass has dark aged patina. The stock has some chipping around the lock and breech, partially smoothed checkering and carving, and handling and storage marks. There is some work on the patch box hinge, a replaced section of the toe plate, and the stock shows fairly subtle signs of some repair/conservation work, including a stabilized crack at the toe, some epoxy/glue in the barrel channel, repaired cracks in the forend, cleaning, and re-oiling. The front sight blade is absent from the dovetailed base. It is mechanically fine so long as the trigger is set before cocking. This is a very rare piece by a desirable gunmaking family with historic connections that has been part of some of the finest American firearms collections and can be part of yours!