This rifle is featured on page 92 of "Gunsmiths of Bedford, Fulton, Huntingdon, & Somerset Counties" by Whisker and Yantz. Lewis Fondersmith Sr. and Jr. were gunmakers near Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, in the 1830s, and the father later moved to Washington County in Western Pennsylvania by 1839. The rifle is stamped "L FONDERSMITH" on top of the barrel which measures 1 inch at the breech and tapers to .95 inches at the muzzle and features seven-groove rifling, star/asterisk patterns on the muzzle face, and traditional dovetailed blade and notch sights. The lock is unmarked. The rifle is equipped with adjustable double set triggers. The main mounts are brass and feature intricate pierced work, including on the distinctive wear plate running between the entry pipe and trigger guard finial as well as on the side plate, toe plate (with horn inlays), and patchbox, and there is a narrow comb plate running nearly to the nose. The rifle also features twenty-five silver inlays, including eagle designs in the grasping section of the forend and an oval cheekpiece inlay engraved with an eagle.

Very good plus with dark brown patina and oxidation/pitting on the lock and barrel, worn but mostly legible maker's mark, attractively aged patina on the silver and brass, some inlays repaired, and mild overall wear. The refinished stock has attractive figure, small chips and slivers absent, faint repairs, and mild dings and scratches. Short ramrod. Mechanically fine (full-cock only). Overall, a very attractive Huntingdon County rifle!