Nicholas Beyer (circa 1780-1850) is considered by many to be one of the finest American long rifle makers from the Golden Age period. Many of his fine rifles are contained within some of the most well regarded collections. He is believed to have apprenticed under J. P Beck of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. This rifle is signed "x N x Beyer x" on top of the barrel. The signature matches other known Beyer rifles. It has traditional low profile blade and notch sights, a plain trigger, unmarked lock, side plate style common on Beyer rifles, oblong trigger guard, traditional engraved Lebanon school patch box, and a relatively plain grain maple stock with incised twirl and scrollwork patterns over the ramrod entry pipe, ahead of the trigger guard, the wrist, and the left side of the butt. Evidence of the large tear drop flat extensions remains visible. See "Arms Makers of Lancaster Country" by Wood and Whisker and "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age" by Kindig to compare the patterns to other known rifles by Beyer as well as those by Beck and others. Beyer's quality is immediately clear as are his ties to the Lebanon school.

Fair. The period shortened barrel has a dark blend of gray and brown patina and mild oxidation and pitting. The brass has a dark aged patina throughout. The stock is fair with a screw and pins through the wrist to stabilize a break and cracking at that location, additional cracking on the forend and around the flats, fine carving, and scattered small dings. The lock is mechanically fine, and the signature and engraving are both legible and very good.