Title
American Rifle
Description
This “Mountain” rifle offers an excellent example of these crude mountain-style American Rifles made in the back country of the southern colonies. The wood stock features a unique “grease hole” in the butt which held thick grease used to lubricate the cloth and leather bullet patches. This maple stock supports a .66 caliber barrel pinned to the stock by iron pins through the underside of the barrel. The barrel offers an unusual squared shape running from the breech of the barrel for 22 cm toward the muzzle, then turning round to the muzzle.
The iron furniture of this American rifle demonstrates a European influence. The lock plate includes an incorrect rounded cock on the flat lock plate. The wood rammer is secured by two iron pipes.
Caliber: .66
Weight: 7.1 lbs.
Length: 54 1/2"
Barrel: 39 1/4"; .66 (8 grooves)
The iron furniture of this American rifle demonstrates a European influence. The lock plate includes an incorrect rounded cock on the flat lock plate. The wood rammer is secured by two iron pipes.
Caliber: .66
Weight: 7.1 lbs.
Length: 54 1/2"
Barrel: 39 1/4"; .66 (8 grooves)
Source
Brown, M.L. Firearms in Colonial America: The Impact on History and Technology 1492-1792. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1980.
Date
c. 1760-1770
Rights
George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
Identifier
VAFO 172
Original Format
Photograph