"N. * Beyer" signature faintly visible on top of barrel. This Kentucky long gun is sighted like a standard American long rifle but is equipped with a smoothbore barrel. Educated estimates place Nicholas Beyer (1780-1850+) as active primarily in the early 19th century around Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He is recognized as one of the most talented and prolific Golden Age long rifle makers. This example has several attributes that match other well known Beyer rifles. For example, note the distinctive pelican-esque bird on the patch box finial and the overall patch box design which are nearly identical matches to the Beyer rifle on page 235 of "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age" by Joe Kindig, Jr. The star shaped silver inlay on the cheekpiece, silver thumb plate, and the side plate are also similar. Several of Beyer's rifles are known to have incorporated hearts into their design; this example is no exception as it has a brass heart incorporated in the toe plate, identical to the example shown on page 232 of Kindig's book. Incise carvings in the stock. The lock is unmarked but has the beveled line at the tail found on many of Beyer's rifles. The Pennsylvania Dutch style bird on the patch box is particularly attractive and is a style only seen on Beyer's rifles. It clearly bears a resemblance to a pelican.

Good as reconverted to flintlock configuration, with brown patina, scattered light pitting, and some cracks and a few small chips in the refinished stock. Mechanically fine.