John Armstrong of Emmitsburg, Maryland, is among the truly great American gunmakers of American history. Some regard him as the best maker of early American firearms. This rifle is very similar to the John Armstrong signed flintlock rifle on page 449 of "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age" by Joe Kindig, Jr. Note the nearly matching patch box designs, eagle motif on the cheekpiece inlay, and stock carving. The rifle on 452 also has similar designs with slightly more minor variations. Joe Kindig, Jr. stated: "John Armstrong’s workmanship is magnificent and his designs are just about perfection. I cannot emphasize the beauty of his rifles." Armstrong's quality is due in part to his fairly consistent designs. By executing similar patterns time and time again, he was able to hone his techniques more than makers who varied their designs more often. He was also able to produce rifles at a higher rate. Estimates of Armstrong's working life have varied over the years. We know he was born in 1772 and active in Emmitsburg around 1793. The end date is more vague. Older research suggested he closed shop in 1822 based on the sale of gunmaking tools, but more recent research has demonstrated he was active through the 1830s and likely active until about 1841. Most have accepted that Armstrong was trained by George Schreyer in Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania, where he may have been born. The rifle is a classic Armstrong piece. It has blade and notch sights, single trigger, full length stock with attractive tiger stripe figure, classic Armstrong style patch box, and beautiful rococo carving. The barrel has his signature in a brass inlaid panel. The lock plate is signed "JA" was originally built for use as a flintlock but appears to have been converted by Armstrong. The few other Armstrong percussion rifles have this same style lock and similar hammer designs, but most do not have the filled holes originally tapped for the flintlock components. Another Armstrong percussion rifle in this auction has a matching lock suggesting these rifles may have been two of the earliest Armstrong percussion rifles produced.

Good as possibly period converted from flintlock to percussion (see above). The barrel and lock both display a mix of faded original finish and brown patina. There is some areas of gray patina likely from light cleaning and moderate flash pitting at the breech. The nipple and hammer are partially deformed, but the lock functions very well. The brass has an attractive aged patina throughout and crisp engraving. The wood is very good as lightly sanded and restored. There are a few hairline cracks and slight repairs. Most of the carving remains crisp, but a few areas are lightly smoothed. The stock displays vivid figure throughout. This is an opportunity to get your hands on one of the few rifles built by master craftsman John Armstrong.