John M. Caswell (1777-1857) of Albany and later Lansingburgh (Troy), New York, was a prominent gunmaker in Upstate New York in the first half of the 19th century. An 1827 advertisement for his "Gun Manufactory" noted that "Individuals or companies can be furnished on the shortest notice, with RIFLES or MUSKETS, of superior workmanship, and it is believed on more advantageous terms, at the manufactory of the subscriber than at any other in the Union." He also noted that some had faked his shop's guns and that all the real ones would be marked "J.M. Caswell, Lansingburgh" on the barrel. This fantastic New York rifle has a band of engraving at the muzzle, a nickel-silver blade front sight flanked by scroll engraving, adjustable notch rear sight, "J.M. CASWELL MAKER LANSINGBURGH" and ornate scrollwork and a dog on the breech section, "J.M. CASWELL" on the lock as well as further engraving, adjustable double set triggers, silver oval wrist inlay, silver patriotic eagle cheekpiece inlay, checkered forearm and wrist, and engraved iron mounts, including a patchbox with an eagle attacking a squirrel. It comes in a wood takedown presentation case. The case lid escutcheon is inscribed "J Mc.D. Mc. Intyre/Albany". John McDonald McIntyre (1805-1888) was a farmer in Albany, New York. He was the treasurer of the New York State Agricultural Fair in the 1840s and won multiple awards for his lambs and also ran for public offices on the Whig and Native American (Know Nothing) tickets. He appears to be a relative of Archibald McIntyre (1772-1858), a wealthy and influential Democratic-Republican figure in Albany in the first half of the 19th century who served in the New York State Assembly and Senate as well as the State Comptroller and as the president of the New York State Agricultural Society.

Fine with light original brown finish along the barrel, dark patina on the balance, moderate oxidation and pitting, and crisp engraving. The stock is also fine with some small reglued cracks visible rear of lockplate, crisp checkering, and general mild overall wear. Mechanically fine. The case is very good with moderate wear.