Christian's Spring Longrifle by James Klein

This early Colonial era longrifle is obviously of Germanic heritage, but has several distinctly American features. The maple stock, and swamped octagon barrel were features that became popular with skilled German gunmakers when they came to America. Rifles of this style were produced in or near Christian's Spring, Pennsylvania, during the mid 1700's. This hand finished early style .54 caliber longrifle is trimmed in brass. The plain maple stock is raised and incised carved.

The barrel measures 37" in length.

Jim Chamber lock

The top view of the rifle shows off the engraved buttplate comb, with the comb screw as the center of a four petal flower. Forward of the comb a raised line of carving passes over the wrist and separates the wrist from the comb. Beginning at this separation line the wrist sweeps up to meet tang of the breech, which is surrounded by a Fluer-de-Lis of raised carving.

A low flat top rear sight is dovetailed on the barrel, likewise at the muzzle a low silver bladed front sight is dovetailed 2” behind the end of the barrel.

Delicate relief carving decorates the area ahead and behind the cheek. The forend has a raised molding from muzzle to the ramrod entry pipe, ending in a raised carving, just under the palm swell. Two dome headed lock bolts pass through the brass sideplate and stock to engage the lock on the opposite side. The brass plate is finished with a slight burnish, like all of the other brass furniture on the rifle.

Copy and photos by Track of the Wolf.