Peter Dunmeyer (1795-1873) was a gunsmith in Union Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and moved to Somerset Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, by 1839. His sons Jonathan and David were also gunmakers and rifles from them can be seen in Lot 230 and Lot 231. The family's surname is also spelled Dunmyer and Dormayer in records. The rifle has traditional dovetailed blade and notch sights, no visible barrel markings, faint game scene engraving and traces of markings on the lock which has a Bedford/Somerset style hammer, adjustable double set triggers, brass mounts including a very ornate patchbox with double pierced finial and side plates and a double pierced counter plate, and a curly maple stock with incised molding and carving, eight silver inlays along the forend, three more at the wrist, and a silver oval cheekpiece inlay with an engraved eagle and shield motif.

Very good as restored with refinished barrel with a filled dovetail, moderate pitting on the lock, attractively aged patina on the brass mounts and silver inlays, crisp engraving and carving, attractive figure along the stock, some repairs at the breech, spliced section starting 9 inches from the muzzle, and mild overall wear including some scrapes and dings. The lock needs work. The set triggers function fine.