This rifle bears clear influence of makers from Maryland, Emmitsburg in particular, and is marked with "J.A." on the outside of the lock plate and "1959/Joseph Aiken" on the inside. A "Joseph Aiken" was one of the original members of the Washington Blue Rifles who with the Norfolk Gray Backs started an annual tradition that eventually became the North-South Skirmish Association which remains the dominant force in Civil War reenactment. The rifle may have been built or worked on by Aiken in 1959 but appears much older. A rifle owned by "Joseph Aiken" is pictured on page 61 of "The Pennsylvania Kentucky Rifle" by Kauffman. The rifle has the "gadroon effect" carving ahead of the lock that was first employed by George Schreyer and then adopted by John Armstrong and others. The engraved patch box design also resembles some rifles from Maryland. It has blade and notch sights as is essentially standard on "Kentucky" rifles, double set triggers, a very small bore for economical use of lead and hunting small game such as squirrels and rabbits, and a full length curly maple stock with very fine relief carving including a patriotic eagle and shield design on the cheekpiece and a fish just below.

Good. The barrel has a dark brown patina along with some pitting that is mostly concentrated at the breech. The lock has a lighter brown patina. The brass has an attractive, honest aged patina. The stock is very good with strong finish, some mild wear around the lock, crisp carving, and various minor dings and light scratches. There is a small crack at the side plate screw on the left and a little gap at the breech. The lock and set trigger appear to be functional but need some adjustments to work properly.