Rifle, Long
Object number2014.45.9
Manufacturer
Jonathan Dunmeyer
Datec. 1855
OriginPA
MediumWood/Metal/Brass
Credit LineGift of Bayer Corporation
DescriptionDark and light brown striped wood and brass long rifle. Curved brass butt plate attached to the butt stock with two screws on the bottom edge of the butt stock, a screw on the back of the butt plate. and a screw on the top edge of the butt stock. The right side of the butt stock features a patch box with a surrounding decorative plate attached with flathead screws. Behing and infront of the lockplate on the butt stock and the forestock features carved detailing. Brass trigger guard curved backward and attached to the bottom of the butt stock forming a grip. Lock plate dark grey/black and pointed on the back end. The forestock runs the length of the barrel and is attached with barrel pins. The forestock is capped at the end with a brass plate. The ram rod is attached to the forestock with two brass loops and a brass plate. The opposite side of the firing mechanism has a decorative brass plate with a flat head screw in it. Left side of the butt stock has carved decorative lines.Dimensions10 x 1.75 x 52 in. (25.4 x 4.4 x 132.1 cm)InscriptionsPlate: "JONATHAN DUNMEYER" "CIRCA 1855 / SOMERSET COUNTY".
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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