Flintlock rifle, c. 1790-1800
John Bonewitzexpand_more
Iron, maple, brass, silverexpand_more
The Driscoll Art Accessions Endowment Fundexpand_more 97.106a,b
Not on Viewexpand_more
"Kentucky rifles" of the late-18th and early-19th centuries were primarily made in Pennsylvania, receiving their nickname from the song "The Battle of New Orleans" during the War of 1812: "But Jackson he was wide awake, and wasn't scar'd of trifles, for well he knew what aim we take, with our Kentucky Rifles." John Bonewitz, who worked in Berks County, Pennsylvania, was one of the finest craftsmen of this type of rifle. His firearms are prized for their elegant proportions, beautifully carved leaves and scrolls, and engraved brass patch boxes and butt plates. Compare the carving and patch box design of this piece to those of the Dickert rifle from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, also in this case.
Details
- Title
- Flintlock rifle
- Artist Life
- (Wolmesdorf, Berks County, Pennsylvania), active 1779 - 1809
- Role
- Maker
- Accession Number
- 97.106a,b
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.