Rifle
Object number2021.193.1 a-e
Date1835-1845
MediumWood; Metal; Brass; Coin silver
Credit LineIn memory of Robert Barensfeld
DescriptionRifle with decorative coin silver inlays throughout gun stock and barrel. The inlays are attached to the gun by very small nails. The shapes of the inlays embedded on rifles consist of diamonds, hearts, teardrops, ovals, moons, arrows, circles, star-like figures, and wave-like figures. Many of the shapes have possibly hand-engraved details on them. On left side of stock, there is an oval with a hand-engraved image of the Great Seal of the U.S.
Stock features a brass butt plate, with various pieces of silver inlay throughout stock.DimensionsLength x Width x Depth (a): 52.5 × 8.5 × 2.25 in. (133.4 × 21.6 × 5.7 cm)Length x Width (b): 1.188 × 0.438 in. (3 × 1.1 cm)
Diameter (c): 0.375 in. (1 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (d): 0.813 × 0.875 × 0.063 in. (2.1 × 2.2 × 0.2 cm)
Length x Diameter (e): 1.188 × 0.125 in. (3 × 0.3 cm)
InscriptionsOn right side of stock, there is a teadrop-shaped piece of decorative metal, closest to the lockplate, that appears to have "RB" lightly engraved in the center.
Historical NotesPennsylvania rifle. Firearm appears to be the product of a central to western Pennsylvania gunsmith. The octagonal barrel has been shortened 2 1/4", probably mid- 20th Century for shooting purposes. The loose piece of inlay, lead bullet, square fabric patches, and barrel pins were all found in the patchbox.
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