This is an example of a U.S. Model 1817 Flintlock rifle that was manufactured by H. Derringer of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and subsequently covered or a percussion conversion. Derringer produced approximately 13,000 of these rifles. The Derringer produced rifles had a trigger guard with the pistol grip projection and the sling swivel mounted on the trigger bow. The center of the lock plate is marked with a large "US" over "H. DERINGER / PHILADA" and the date of manufacture (1843) marked vertically behind the hammer. The date is also marked on the upper tang. The top of the barrel near the percussion nipple is marked "US / JH / P", a small "J.H" on the left side of the barrel, "V" marked hammer and "US" marked buttplate tang. It features a Belgian-style percussion conversion (i.e., the removal of all external lock parts, the plugging of all holes, and the flash pan cut flush to the top of the lock plate). The rifle has a blade front s or t and notch rear sights, three barrel bands, large oval patch box and iron trumpet shaped ramrod. The left stock flat is marked with three script inspector marks.

Good with the metal surfaces exhibiting a smooth dark patina. The stock is good with some minor scratches, dents, and a few moderate gouges, with limited use of wood putty. The lock and cartouches are very faint, otherwise the markings are clear. From the Will Hoffeld collection.