Rifle
Object number2014.45.4
Manufacturer
Peter Dunmeyer
Datec. 1850
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 four flathead screws on the bottom edge of the butt stock, one on the back edge of the butt plate, and one on the top edge of the butt stock. The right side of the butt stock features a rectangular patch box which opens to reveal a hollow compartment. The lid includes a decorative design of a bow and two arrows. Surrounding the patch box is a decorative brass plate which is attached with nine screws. Details are carved into the side of the wrist. The lock plate includes inscriptions and details carved into it. The brass trigger guard curves to form a grip. The forestock extends the length of the barrel and features designs carved into the sides. The ramrod is a lighter color wood than the forestock and is connected with two brass loops and a brass plate. Small oval plate attached to the wrist with two pins. The left side of the butt stock features carving ornimentations into the wood, and a oval plate with an inscription. A plate on the opposite side of the lock plate is attached with two flat head screws and a large pin in the middle.Dimensions9 x 1.875 x 53 in. (22.9 x 4.8 x 134.6 cm)InscriptionsSmall circular plate attached to trigger guard with number "7".
Plate: "PETER DUNMEYER" "CIRCA 1850 / SOMERSET COUNTY"
Marks"LONDON / WARRANTED".
"J E".
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.
On View
On view
1835-1845