Wrought Iron Flint Strikers by Brad

Wrought iron was a widely used material in the 18th Century, and for good reason. Wrought iron is tough, malleable, ductile, corrosion-resistant and easily welded. Although iron doesn't contain enough carbon to be hardenable by heating and quenching, it most definitely can be hardened by using a special process that introduces carbon into the iron. These flint strikers were made using original 18th Century iron and heat treated using the traditional technology of the period to ensure a good spark. The designs were copied from originals in Brad's personal collection.

Colonial Virginia Rifle

Rifles made in the 18th Century in the Southern Colonies as a whole, display traits and characteristics that vary widely. The evolution of the southern longrifle in Colonial American was much more erratic than that of it’s Pennsylvania counterpart. Many of these southern rifles also exhibit the efforts of a gunsmith trying to blend the heritage of the Germanic style of gunsmithing with that of the English. The resulting overall appearance is a direct reflection of the sophistication of this cultural blending. It is know that some if not many of these southern gunsmiths, traveled through Lancaster and York during their journey to their final destination in Virginia. Some may have received their training here in Pennsylvania. Others were at least exposed to the regional characteristics that were in vogue during the period. Subsequently, some of these Virginia rifles display the influence of those Pennsylvania characteristics.