Images(2)

Rifle

Object number2014.45.3

Manufacturer Samuel McCosh Sr.

Datec. 1870

OriginPA

MediumWood/Metal/Brass

Credit LineGift of Bayer Corporation

DescriptionDark and light brown vertically striped long rifle with brass detailing. Curved brass butt plate attached with three flathead screws on the underside of the butt stock, one flat head screw on the outside edge, and one screw on the top edge of the butt plate. The right side of the butt stock features a circular patch box with a decorative lid and surrounding decorative plate attached with four screws. The trigger guard is curved featuring two finger grips. The lockplate extends back toward the butt stock and features floral designs as does the outside face of the lock. On the right side of the forestock is a small oval plate with three pins. The forestock extends 14.5-inches forward of the trigger guard and is capped with a silver colored plate. The rest of the barrel forward of this is exposed. The ram rod is connected under the barrel with two brass loops and a plate at the end of the forestock. The patch box opens to reveal a hollow oval compartment. The left side of the butt stock has an oval brass plate with two stars carved into it. The left side of the breech has a flathead pin/screw. Oval plate on the left side of the fore stock with three pins.Dimensions4.25 x 1.5 x 53.625 in. (10.8 x 3.8 x 136.2 cm)
InscriptionsSmall circular plate attached to trigger guard with number "10".
Marks"S McCOSH".
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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