Images(2)

Rifle, Long

Object number2014.45.2

Manufacturer Samuel McCosh Sr.

Datec. 1830

OriginPA

MediumWood, Metal

Credit LineGift of Bayer Corporation

DescriptionLong rifle, tiger maple with brass decorative plates. Curved butt plate attached to the butt stock with two screws and a pin on the bottom, one flat head screw on the back, and one flathead screw on the top. Decorative plate attached to the right side of the butt stock with stitching detail and a patch box that does not open. Metal plate pinned to the wrist. Trigger guard features detailing and curves toward the butt stock to form a grip. The lock plate is inscribed and features floral designs as well as the image of two birds. The lock features floral detailing. Forward of the trigger guard is a repair plate attached with pins around the edge and features carved detailing. The forestock includes nine barrel pins. The ram rod is attached to the forestock with two loops and one plate under the back sight. A dark metal plate is attached under the muzzle. The left side of the butt stock features a raised ridgewith a groove in the middle. Opposite of the lock on the left side is a metal plate with a pin in the middle and two screws as well as detailing. The barrel is eight-sided with three sides exposed above the fore stock which runs the length of the barrel.Dimensions7.5 x 1.875 x 58 in. (19.1 x 4.8 x 147.3 cm)
InscriptionsSmall circular plate attached to trigger guard with number.

Plate: "SAMUEL McCOSH, SR." and "CIRCA 1830 / ALLEGHENY COUNTY".
Marks"WARRANTED".
"S. Mc COSH".
Historical NotesPart of a collection of Pennsylvania-Kentucky rifles that hung in Bayer's headquarters and documented the work of gun makers from various areas of Pennsylvania. Each rifle reflects the style of its particular maker and his school. The name Kentucky rifle is a generic term for guns made in muzzle loaders, hence the term Pennsylvania-Kentucky rifles. These particular firearms show the evolution of firearms development in Pennsylvania from earlier German, English, and French styles of rifle making. The earliest ones originate in Lancaster County and then spread west through the Pennsylvania counties.

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