Peter Berry of the Dauphin County School was among the most talented master craftsmen of the post-Revolutionary War "Golden Age" in American long rifle craftsmanship. He was active at least as early as 1786 and was listed as a gunsmith when he died in 1796. His rifles are distinct and very carefully crafted and display particularly fine engraving and carving. Surviving examples of his work are rare and among the most desirable early American firearms. This example is pictured on page 46 of "Kentucky Rifles and Pistols, 1750-1850" and has previously been in multiple noteworthy collections and is being offered as part of the extensive Piedmont Collection. The smoothbore barrel has a wedding band transition, standard rifle sights, and is signed "Pe Berry: on top towards the breech end. The lock has a single "N" stamp between the pan and cock on the outside face and "BL" on the underside. The patch box on this example closely matches the rifle on page 270 of "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age" by Joe Kindig, Jr. and also has many similarities to the rifle on 271. The edge plate on the cheekpieces are also very similar as are the side plates and buttplate. The patch box is correctly secured by three screws with high rounded surfaces instead of regular flat head screws. The stock has molded line accents along the edges, tear drop flats, eight oval silver inlays including an "AF" initialed thumb plate, and has raised scroll and floral patterns carved on the left side of the butt behind the cheekpiece, behind the barrel tang, and at the ramrod entry pipe. Despite the many consistencies in Berry's work, his carving designs vary widely, but all clearly demonstrate his talents as a carver. There is subtle engraving designs on most of the furniture. A short hickory ramrod is included.

Good as restored and reconverted to flintlock. The shortened barrel has a mottled blend of brown and gray patina and displays multiple vice marks. The lock has a mixed gray and brown patina on the outer face and subdued case colors on the interior. Both have some oxidation and light pitting. The brass components have varying degrees of aged patina and some are rather bright. The trigger guard is repaired on the spur with visible solder. The patch box release is currently jammed. The extensively refurbished stock has a repaired break at the wrist, some crudely restored carving, various small marks and chips, and a few small cracks. The lock functions fine, and the engraving and markings are fairly crisp.