Pennsylvania Mountain Rifle

In the 18th and early 19th centuries there existed a group of Gunsmiths working in the “Blue Mountain” region of eastern Pennsylvania. These men were mostly trained in the Germanic style of gun making; and the work that they produced is a direct reflection of the cultural environment in which they lived. The immigrant German people of this region had little desire to purchase highly decorated rifles and fowlers. These were plain people with simple needs. Their requirements were simply a high quality lock and barrel; for dependable service on the Pennsylvania frontier; and the fine lines and sturdy construction on Pennsylvania German long rifle architecture. Many guns were made without butt plates, side plates, and a ramrod entry pipe. The absence of these parts did not affect the functional capabilities of the gun. The hand of the master is evident in the surviving examples as a silent tribute to the skill and craftsmanship of the men who made them. They remain as examples of beauty in simplicity.

Weeping Heart Flint Striker

This is an original, 18th Century brass snuff box that has been paired with a hand made weeping heart flint striker made by Shane. Inspired by original works of the period, the weeping heart striker is made from high carbon steel and lightly adorned with an engraved border. The box was in nice usable condition and made for a great striker case.

Hand Forged Knife by Shane

This one is hand forged from 1095 high carbon steel, 5" blade, curly maple handle stained with nitric acid, petwer bolster and sterling silver pommel cap. The engraving was hand drawn and hand chased.

Wrought Iron Flint Striker

This decorative flint striker, engraved in a bilaterally symmetrical design of the Baroque style, was hand crafted by Shane using original, 18th Century Wrought Iron. The engraved decoration was free hand drawn and chased with hammer and chisel, and then the background was lightly stippled to add contrast. The heat treating on the iron was done using all traditional 18th Century techniques to ensure a proper level of carbon in the iron. The striker has been paired with a beautifully made brain tan and quillwork pouch made by Bill Wright.