Evolved along the lines of the nearby Lehigh Valley longrifles, this fine Bucks County rifle displays features that are fairly unique, though not limited to, that region. The side opening patchbox, triggerguard, and sideplate design all have an A. Verner, Bucks County, Pennsylvania influence. The rifle is stocked in a lovely piece of curly maple, which has been neatly carved, and is trimmed in hand engraved brass furniture. The .45 caliber octagon barrel has a bright well maintained bore. The barrel is signed by contemporary builder R.E. Grieder. Trigger reach is 13-1/2" to fit today's average size shooter. Weight is 8.6 pounds.

The .45 caliber 13/16" straight octagon barrel measures a 43-1/2" long. The barrel is cut rifled with eight equal sized lands and grooves, in a slow twist, for use with a patched round ball. The bore is bright, clean, and ready to shoot. The muzzle end of the barrel is decorated with a punch dot design and engraving. The barrel is finished to a smooth silvery-brown and the top flat is signed R.E. Grieder just behind the rear sight. A flat top rear sight is dovetailed 7-1/4" ahead of the breech. A brass blade front sight with brass base is dovetailed 1-1/2" behind the muzzle. Both sights are staked in their dovetails. A single bolt passes through the short straight tang to engage the trigger plate below. Three iron keys with brass heads pass directly through the stock to retain the barrel to the forearm. The keys are captured to prevent loss.

The curly maple stock is stained to a warm reddish-brown color with a golden undertone to best display the tight figure in the curly maple stock. The buttstock is fitted with a wide buttplate, flat and comfortable, ideal for this .45 caliber longrifle. The side opening engraved patchbox is common to the Bucks County school, but not limited to it. The patchbox door has a spring loaded latch, push it upward to release the side opening door. Beneath the door is a deep cut cavity for storing flints, patches, or other related accessories. The top view shows the tang is surrounded by raised carving that flows down to highlight the raised lock panels. A darkened nickel silver oval inlay decorates the top of the wrist. Raised carving accents the comb and wrist before flowing down the buttstock and transitioning into raised and incised carving. A line of incised carving highlights the toe line of the buttstock before terminating at the rear of the trigger plate.

A hand engraved brass toeplate is fitted to protect the toe of the rifle. The polished brass triggerguard has a light amount of engraving on the grip rail. The forend of the rifle has raised carving that surrounds the entry pipe. The raised carving flows upward and transitions into an incised molding running along the ramrod channel to the brass muzzle cap that protects the end grain of the stock. Two brass octagon shaped ramrod pipes with ringed ends secure the ramrod to this rifle. The matching entry pipe has a long skirt with decorative finial. The 3/8" diameter wooden ramrod is fitted with a brass tip with 8-32 threads for loading and cleaning accessories. The cheek is inlaid with an engraved brass hunter's star. Beautiful raised carving decorates the area surrounding the cheek. The brass sideplate fills the side panel and two domed bolts pass through to engage the lock on the opposite side.

This rifle is fitted with an R. Gale flintlock. Similar to a large Siler in appearance, this lock has an octagon pan with an outside pan bridle, and pointed tail with a chamfered edge. We note the frizzen has been resoled, and throws a shower of sparks. The lock is finished to match the barrel. We recommend using our best English 3/4" flints, #FLINT-ENG-6. The steel vent hole is well positioned both horizontally and vertically on the pan, centered on the heat of the flash. If your flint gun suffers from that infamous slow whoosh-bang ignition delay, study the work of today's best gun makers, and position your vent well centered on the pan, high above the bottom, to serve as a window on the center of the flash. The single trigger, with decorative back, provides a smooth release of the lock.

This Bucks County longrifle is offered in excellent used condition with a bright bore that is ready to shoot. Very neatly assembled with carving and engraving. This rifle will be a joy to own and show off to your family and friends. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.