Liberty Long Rifles

Marvin Kemper is a full-time gunsmith specializing in historically accurate reproductions of American longrifles, fowlers, pistols, and pipe tomahawks from the flintlock era (1750-1830). Every piece is built to order with meticulous attention to period authenticity and individual customer specifications.

Unlike production firearms, Kemper's guns are working replicas of 18th and early 19th-century originals. He doesn't just copy an existing design—he researches the original gunmaker's techniques, regional styling, and materials.

Each item is hand-crafted from a curly maple blank selected for the highest figure and ultimate beauty.

Materials and Craftsmanship: - Curly maple stocks selected for figure and appearance - Rice Barrels and Jim Chambers locks (quality American-made components) - Sand or wax-cast butt plates and trigger guards - Hand-forged steel components where applicable - Traditional chasing hammer and chisel engraving (not modern cutting) - Stock finishes: up to ten coats of oil-varnish, hand-rubbed - Optional aging process for authentic patina on wood and metal

Kemper maintains extensive galleries of recreated rifles from specific gunmakers and regional schools:

• •Pennsylvania Schools: Allegheny County (John Fleeger), Lehigh Valley (John Rupp II, Herman Rupp, Jacob Kuntz), Lancaster (Jacob Dickert, Henry Albright, Melchior Fordney), York County (Frederick Sell), Bucks County (Andrew Verner), Westmoreland County (George Kettering, David Morton), Upper Susquehanna (John Dreisbach Sr.)
• •Tennessee & Kentucky: Cumberland River Valley (Jacob Young), East Tennessee iron-mounted rifles, The Lexington Rifle (William Turner Bryan)
• •Indiana Historical Pieces: Grouseland Rifle (John Small reproduction, commissioned for Indiana's 2016 Bicentennial), Pierre Menard Pistol, William Clark Rifle
• •Virginia School: Early Virginia styling with floral patchbox designs

Beyond direct reproductions, Kemper creates custom rifles that incorporate personal design elements—your choice of caliber, stock wood (walnut or curly maple), embellishment metals (brass, German silver, sterling silver), and decorative details. Recent commissions include:

• •Ferdinand, Indiana 175-Year Commemorative Rifle (silver town skyline inlay)
• •Squirrel rifles (32 caliber, scaled for lighter shooters)
• •Cased pistol sets with accessories (priming horn, bullet mold, lead balls, patches)
• •Southern iron-mounted pistols
• •Pipe tomahawks with hand-forged heads

Kemper considers the patchbox "the focal point of any quality Kentucky Rifle." He hand-crafts artistic boxes in period styles: Monongahela Valley pierced designs, side-opening lids, domed finials, and ornate brass or silver inlays. Each reflects the regional school being reproduced.

Custom rifles typically cost between $5,000–$10,000 depending on embellishment level and complexity. Higher-end pieces with extensive silver inlay, carving, and engraving command premium pricing.

How it works: 1. Browse the gallery or discuss preferences 2. Kemper sends a formal proposal with specifications, price, and timeline 3. Sign and return the proposal to place on production schedule 4. Unique or proprietary pieces may require a deposit 5. You're notified upon completion with a final invoice

Payment & Delivery: - Cash or check required prior to delivery - Personal checks: 7-day waiting period before shipment - Cashier's checks: Ship within 48 hours of receipt - Indiana residents: 7% sales tax applies - USPS Priority Mail with insurance available (cost added to invoice)

Liberty Longrifles LLC 8996 Winery Road Wadesville, IN 47638 Phone: 812.430.1992 Email: [email protected]

Kemper works full-time in his shop and welcomes phone calls, emails, and visits to discuss custom pieces. If you're unsure of your preferences, he offers recommendations based on your shooting interests and aesthetic goals.