curly maple stock and barrel support brass butt plate, trigger guard, accents to ram rod holder, muzzle and hinged load cover on stock; silver thumb plate at top, front of cheek plate; incised and carved scroll work on stock; single trigger; .45 cal. Arms and Armor-Firearm

Flintlock rifle, c. 1790-1800

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"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.

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curly maple stock and barrel support brass butt plate, trigger guard, accents to ram rod holder, muzzle and hinged load cover on stock; silver thumb plate at top, front of cheek plate; incised and carved scroll work on stock; single trigger; .45 cal. Arms and Armor-Firearm