This is an outstanding example of an original Flintlock configuration long rifle which has clearly seen little to no use in more than a century and a half likely owing to its most unusual feature: it is designed for a belted ball. It is pictured on page 157 of "The Kentucky Rifle" by John G. W. Dillin and on page 60 of "The Longrifles of Western Pennsylvania: Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties" by Richard F. Rosenberger & Charles Kaufmann (copy of the latter included). In the latter, the authors note "this is the only American longrifle of its type known" and was produced after the percussion system was widely available, but the fact that it is pictured in the earlier book indicates that it was almost certainly produced as a flintlock and not later enhanced. Belted balls are believed to have been first experimented with around 1725 in Spain but were not widely used until they were used in the Brunswick rifles designed by George Lovell in 1836. Belted rifling was never widely used in the U.S., and the system in general was made obsolete in the 1850s by the introduction of the Minie ball which was more accurate and easier to load. This rifling would have been an extreme rarity in the U.S. and ammunition would have been hard nearly impossible to come by without a mold specifically made for this rifle. The barrel has a brass blade front sight, notch rear sight (elevator absent), and is signed "A. B. Smith" in script. Abias Butler Smith (b. 1818- d. 1900) was apprenticed to Joel T. Ferree on May 9, 1836, for two years and four months and was thus working on his in late 1838. Tax records list him in Clinton, Allegheny County (1838-66); Crescent Township, Lawrence County (1867); and New Castle, Lawrence County (1870-1872). During the Civil War, he received a patent for an improvement to "Breech-Loading Ordnance" (cannons). He manufactured and sold farm machinery after the war. The lock plate is marked "M. MASLIN/ PARTRIDGE WARRANTED" and is engraved with scrollwork and a bird scene. Michael M. Maslin was a lockmaker located in Baltimore (circa 1822-1833) and in Philadelphia (1833-1847). The use of a Maslin flintlock and belted rifling suggest the rifle was manufactured in the late 1830s or perhaps very early 1840s. It has double set triggers, brass furniture including a beautiful Golden Age patch box with detailed engraving, and further engraving on the screws, stock pins, side plate, and barrel tang. The full length curly maple stock has carved line accents and a shallow cheekpiece.

Very fine. The once cleaned (many years ago) barrel has a gray-brown blend of naturally aged finish. The brass display an attractive lightly aged "mustard yellow" patina. The lock has strong bluish case colors and has some bright surfaces under the cock. The frizzen face is bright with limited strike marks. The engraving patterns and markings are crisp. The wood is exceptionally fine with crisp carved lines and edges. There is a very faint grain stress line present on the right side above the ramrod entry pipe that looks original to the production of the rifle. The lock functions very well if the trigger is set prior to cocking but needs some adjustments to allow normal use without setting the trigger. This rifle is an outstanding, high condition example of the American long rifle made all the more desirable by its unusual rifling. It will be a very unique addition to even the most advanced collection of classic American firearms.