George Haines (1808-1881) was a riflemaker in Perry Township, Snyder County, Pennsylvania. In 1850, the Census listed him as a laborer, and the 1860 Census recorded him as a farmer, the primary occupation of many 19th century riflemakers, and the 1870 Census identified him as a retired farmer. The barrel has traditional low blade and notch sights, and "G*Haines" is signed on top of the breech section. The replacement lock is marked "WARRANTED" and has some scroll patterns and a frizzen spring roller. The furniture is brass. The side plate has a single lock screw and ornate engraving, and the four-piece patchbox is engraved and features an attractive triple pierced finial. The wrist escutcheon is a silver oval. The stock has incised line molding along the bottom and a nice Roman nose style butt with a cheekpiece. A 1947 dated advertisement from T.J. Cooper of Meadville, Pennsylvania, offering this rifle for sale with "Collection Robert G. Smith" written on the back is in the patchbox Provenance: The T.J. Cooper Collection; The Robert G. Smith Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Good as converted to flintlock configuration with dark patina on the lock and barrel, mild flash pitting at the breech, repaired barrel tang, aged patina on the brass and silver, and mild overall ear. The refinished stock is also fine and has some faint repairs and general minor marks and scratches. Mechanically fine.