This rifle was once attributed to James Stapleton but has since been re-attributed by the more recent owner who had a large number of Bedford County rifles to Jacob Snider/Snyder (1821-1875). He trained under George Fay and was a gunmaker in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and later a miner, banker, and land speculator in Georgetown, Colorado, where he was shot and killed after winning a court case. Also see his rifle in Lot 3282. The cheekpiece inlay and arrow shaped forend inlays are nearly identical to those other rifles attributed to Snider. The rifle is signed "J*S" on the barrel and has traditional blade and notch sights, adjustable double set triggers, an unmarked lock, and brass furniture and German silver inlays with wavy line border engraving, the noted eagle motif on the cheekpiece, and an "X" on the left side of the butt. The rifle was originally a percussion gun but has been converted to flintlock. It also previously was noted as having taps in the tang for a peep sight that are no longer visible.

Very good as converted, relined, and partially restored with brown patina along the barrel, some artificial brown patina on the breech and lock, nice aged patina on the brass and inlays, and general mild overall wear. The stock is very good and has very attractive figure throughout, a crack on the left at the breech, mild scrapes and dings, and general minor wear. Mechanically fine (trigger must be set first).