This exact rifle is pictured on page 118 of "Gunsmiths of Virginia" by Whisker and identified as by J. Lauck (John or Jacob). This is likely based on the rifle on the previous page which has similar attributes. The exact same trigger group is fitted to another rifle signed "Simon Lauck." The carving patterns on the left side of the butt, incised swirl/scroll patterns by the entry pipe and wrist, the "hurricane" cheekpiece inlay, the plate below the cheekpiece, the side plate, and other elements all match various Lauck family rifles. The John Lauck rifle in the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley has many very similar attributes including the use of the double acorn inlays, the same cheekpiece inlay, and the same carving. This rifle has traditional blade and notch sights, a "Henry Parker/Warranted" lock, silver double acorn rear wedge plates, similar single acorn inlays on the sides of the wrist, nicely engraved patch box, the aforementioned "hurricane" inlay on the cheekpiece and engraved brass plate below, double line molding along the forend terminating in scrolls, similar scrolls on the wrist, classic Virginia carving on the left side of the butt, single line molding along the bottom of the butt, and lightly engraved toe plate. A bag of iron screws are in the patch box in a bag marked, "The brass screws are original to the Lauck rifle." Simon Lauck (1760-1815) along with his brother Peter (1753-1839) served with the Daniel Morgan's famous riflemen in the American Revolution. Simon did not stay with the unit and is believed to have stopped in Pennsylvania where he reportedly trained under J.P. Beck whose wife was Anna Maria Lauck, Simon and Peter's sister. He was taxed as a gunsmith in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, in 1785 and was back in Winchester, Virginia, by 1787 where both of the Lauck brothers worked as gunsmiths as did the next generations including: Simon Lauck Jr. (1784-1864), John Lauck (1790-1826), Jacob Lauck (1794-1875), William Lauck (1796-1826), and William P. Lauck (1818-1897). The barrel is unsigned, but the inlaid silver thumb plate is inscribed " 'SAL'/FOREST/DI VORE." The 'SAL' appear to be initials. The overall significance of the markings are unknown. Perhaps the first three are the initials of Simon Lauck Jr. (middle name/initial unknown).

Good with dark brown patina on most of the iron, traces of what appear to be an original blued finish on the bottom of the barrel, moderate light oxidation/pitting, minor aged patina on the silver and brass, distinct engraving, and general minor marks and scratches. The stock has been partially restored and has a dark finish and some fine figure along the length, minor dents and scrapes, a few repaired cracks/chips on the butt (most notably at the cheekpiece), the typical tension crack on the left flat, and generally crisp carving. Mechanically fine. This is an attractive rifle attributed to one of the finest Virginia gunmaking families around the 1830-1840s.