Signed "J Mewhirter" John Mewhirter SR. Shippensburg, Franklin County, PA ca 1820

John Mewhirter Sr. worked in Shippensburg, PA in the first quarter of the 19th century and later in Chambersburg. His son, John JR also worked in Franklin County and made rifles in similar style to his fathers. This example is by John Sr as his signature is slightly different and has a 40 inch .52 cal barrel with straight rifling. The patchbox, sideplate and silver eagle cheekpiece inlay are masterfully engraved in the rococo style. The stock is of good quality curly maple and is nicely carved behind the cheekpiece and behind the rear ramrod pipe. But most impressive is the wonderful original surfaces on the stock with nice coloration.

Engraved heart-shaped inlays appear on the wrist behind the lock mortise as seen on his other rifles along with beautiful lower butt molding. This is one of Mewhirter's better rifles with very minor restoration done so well that it is hard to detect. Any collection of Cumberland Valley rifles would be enhanced by this example.

SOLD 3/22