This awesome piece of American history represents many of the elements of what forged America as a nation. This flintlock rifle has the iconic lines and styling of the famous Pennsylvania long rifles used by the likes of Daniel Morgan and the guerrilla fighters of the American Revolution. It is a true American rifle that demonstrates the ingenuity of American gunsmiths as it is made from captured German Cavalry carbine components that were re purposed for use on this handsome rifle.
The general styling of this rifle is very Germanic and reminiscent of many of the transitional Jaeger style rifles that were built by German gunsmiths who immigrated to North America prior to the French and Indian War. However, this mid 18th Century German military carbine furniture (namely the lock, sideplate, buttplate, and triggerguard) that was "recycled" for this piece most likely places this piece sometime during the 1770's or 1780s.
The whole piece is in great shape. the lock functions on both full and half cock, but will need to have a thorough cleaning if its new owner wishes to "spark" the lock. The lock plate has the remnant of a makers name engraved on it; written in the distinctive German italicized block letters that are found on most Germanic military weapons of the period.
The stock is very sound with only one "drying crack" in the butt stock which is very stable and doesn't effect the stock's structural integrity in any way. The carving is nicely executed, and the wrist checkering was likely added sometime later.
The .62 caliber barrel features faint rifling and a dark bore. The barrel is lightly swamped, as is appropriate for the period.
The furniture is mostly German military parts that were recycled for use on the rifle. All the components are original and it great condition.
This rifle is nearly identical to an identified Revolutionary War military rifle on display as part of the famous George Neumann Collection in Valley Forge PA. Just like this rifle, the Neumann rifle also utilized captured German cavalry carbine components. These two rifles were mostly made around the same time and could have even been made by the same gunsmith; further adding to this rifle's mystique.
