This stunning custom built Kentucky rifle was built by legendary gunsmith Roy Vail of Warwick, New York who produced incredible firearms for many famous Americans after World War II, including Dwight D. Eisenhower. Vail was also experienced with muzzle-loaders and restored a pair of pistols owned by George Washington, but muzzleloading rifles by Vail are very scarce. The barrel has "36 CAL" marked on the muzzle, a dovetailed brass blade front sight, "ROY VAIL" maker's mark inlay, and a dovetailed V-notch rear sight. The lock has scroll engraving and "Roy Vail" signed below the pan. The rifle has adjustable double set triggers. The furniture is engraved silver. The four-piece patchbox has a detailed scene of a Native American shooting a pronghorn. The cheekpiece has a fantastically detailed running buck, and the nicely figure stock has some scroll carving and a large spread wing eagle and shield design on the left side of the buck with a ruby colored eye and silver pins.

Exceptionally fine as custom built, engraved, and stocked by Master Gunsmith and engraver Roy Vail. 98% of the brown finish remains on the barrel which has very minor edge wear. The silver displays attractive aged patina and has crisp engraving. The lock has some mild pitting and staining but is mostly bright and has crisp engraving. The stock is also very fine and has attractive figure, crisp raised relief carving, and generally only minor handling and storage marks. The rifle currently functions by setting the trigger before cocking. Overall, this is a stunning rifle by one of the most well-respected custom gunmakers of the 20th century.