Robert Johnson Model 1814 U.S. contract rifles are described on pages 404-407 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III" with this exact rifle pictured on pages 404, 405, and 406. According to page 404, "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/US" marked at the center of the lock, "SNY" (faint) State of New York marked on top of the breech behind what appears to be a condemnation mark, "P/US" marked on the upper left flat at the breech, "JJB" inspection initials marked in the stock behind the lower tang, browned iron furniture, and a full-length stock with shallow cheek rest. "XIXXX" is carved into the left stock flat, and "IX" is carved into the right of the stock behind the wrist. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a Watervliet Arsenal leather sling and tools in the patchbox. Provenance: The George Moller Collection