According to page 404 of "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume II" by George D. Moller, "In November 1814. Robert D. Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut, contracted to deliver 2,000 rifles to the United States at $17 each, over a five-year period." Actual delivery dates are shown from March of 1816 through June of 1819. Henry Deringer of "Philadelphia Deringer" fame manufactured a similar amount. These rifles were the predecessors of the more numerous Model 1817 "Common Rifles". The Model 1814 can be quickly identified by its shorter and part octagon barrel as well as the smaller "stud" style retainers for the barrel bands. It has a dovetailed brass blade front sight, dovetailed notch rear sight, "R.JOHNSON. MIDDLETOWN CONN." marked on the top barrel flat behind the rear sight, "VT" and "P/US" on the upper left flat at the breech, browned iron furniture, and full-length stock with shallow cheek rest. The bore has been converted from its original .54 caliber rifled to approximately .58 caliber smoothbore, possibly a Civil War era conversion. It should be noted that this example is only marked "US" at the center of the lock and according to "Flayderman's Guide 9th Edition" page 552 states, "A variation of the Johnson contract that does not bear his name, marked only US on lock, is considered rare; worth premium." Includes leather sling and tools in patchbox. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Good as converted to smoothbore and reconverted to flintlock configuration, with mottled brown patina and corrosion, and scattered light to moderate pitting. Stock is good as lightly sanded and re-oiled with some light scratches and dents, darkened areas, and some cracks around the buttplate. Mechanically excellent.