Flintlock Longrifle 1770 - 1820

This Flintlock Longrifle was created by George Schreyer, Sr., likely in Pennsylvania, sometime around the late 18th century. Notice the striking contrast between the dark wood of the stock, and the precisely worked metal components. But this isn't just a functional object; it’s a testament to the maker's artistry. The incised carving on the stock shows considerable hand skill, a perfect fit where metal meets wood, and the engraved decoration suggests the owner's status. The longrifle represents a fascinating intersection of craft and industry. The shaping of the wooden stock, the meticulous fitting of the lock mechanism, and the decorative inlays all speak to a slow, careful, highly skilled making process. Yet, at the same time, this gun was clearly intended for use, and its making was therefore also an economic activity. By considering both its making and its purpose, we come to understand the longrifle as an object of both beauty and utility.