Signed "J Metzger" Jacob Metzger, Frederick, Maryland ca 1795

An extremely fine rifle by a celebrated Maryland rifle maker. Jacob Metzger apprenticed in Lancaster, Pennsylvania during the Revolution. After the war he moved to Frederick Maryland where he became a prolific and influential maker.

The butt stock is excellent quality curly maple of generous thickness indicating an early period. Jacob changed his architectrure very little over his carreer; this stock is typical well proportioned and pleasing. On this example he used an arched patchbox finial with a 4-petal flower engraved on the lid.

The original length 44 inch .50 cal barrel is signed in block letters "J METZGER" on the top flat and a touchmark with the letters "LS" appear on a side flat near the breech. Leonard Snyder was a barrel maker on the Little Antietem Creek and later moved to Franklin County, PA. The lock is original to the rifle and marked "Sweitzer". There is a small sliver of wood replaced at the bottom of the lock mortise and the lock appears to be in original flintlock condition, although the hammer is replaced, probably in period. Some of the forestock is professionally replaced and blends perfectly with the original wood both in color and curl. Both relief and incised carving of beautiful rococco design decorate the stock along with one of the best engraved eagle cheekpiece inlays. The quality of the art on this rifle is wonderful.

Pictured in Hartzler & Whisker, "Maryland Longrifles" and Kindig "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age" rifle number 217 and others as well

Ex Coll. Joe Kindig jr, Dan Hartzler

SOLD 4/24