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.

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.

Wrought Iron Turn Screw

This is an entirely hand made 18th Century Turn Screw by Brad. It is made from original wrought iron and heat treated using traditional 18th Century technology.

New Patch Knife by Shane

Shane just finished up this neat little patch knife for Christmas. The blade measures in at 2 3/4" long with an overall length of 5 1/2". The blade is 1095 spring steel, poured pewter bolster with a hand engraved border and a petite little whitetail deer antler handle.