John Armstrong of Emmitsburg, Maryland, is among the truly great American gunmakers of history. Some regard him as the best maker of early American firearms. This rifle has similar patch box attributes and cheek piece inlay engraved to the Armstrong signed flintlock rifle on page 449 of "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age" by Joe Kindig, Jr. In his discussion of Armstrong Kindig states: "John Armstrong’s workmanship is magnificent and his designs are just about perfection. I cannot emphasize the beauty of his rifles." 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, double set triggers, full length stock with distinctive long forend cap, classic Armstrong style patch box, four silver inlays, and more subdued carving. The barrel has his signature in a brass inlaid panel. The lock is signed "JA" and appears to have been originally built for use as a flintlock but was converted by Armstrong for percussion before leaving his shop. The few other Armstrong percussion rifles have this same style lock and similar hammers, but most do not have the filled holes originally tapped for the flintlock components. This suggests this may have been one of the earliest Armstrong percussion rifles produced.

Good. This rifle has an untouched dark patina overall. The barrel has mild pitting overall. The lock is in similar condition with some areas of gray patina. The brass and silver have crisp designs and deep aged patinas. The stock is about good with extensive scratches and dings overall including a break at the toe, some minor cracks, and small chips. The edges of the carving are mostly sharp. The lock and set triggers function fine. This is an opportunity to get your hands on what may well be the earliest of the few rifles built by master craftsman John Armstrong using the percussion system.