Johannes Rupp     

     Loosely modeled after work of Johannes "John" Rupp the elder, working post-War ca. 1780s, 1790s and possibly the first decade of 19th century in Macungie township, Northampton County (now Upper Macungie in Lehigh).  This is larger than the typical 'Lehigh' rifle and is inspired by the signed John Rupp rifle illustrated in Kindig's "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle..." as number 62, although my rifle here is in no way meant to be a direct copy.  The original antique makes use of earlier components - particularly the lock, sideplate and triggerguard - that were likely recycled from an earlier Berks Co. rifle, as well as a larger-than-typical barrel for the era (mid 1780s through early 1790s).  Given the use of earlier components and a consequentially robust stocking, a piece such as this (the signed antique as well as my interpretation) might be mistakenly viewed as being pre-War or War-era, which to my way of thinking and research is a mistake.  This rifle has been nicely 'aged' to represnt an antique.

     See my article dealing with the Rupp family and Johannes Rupp in particular for more information on this somewhat enigmatic gunsmith!