The Longrifle

With expansion into the interior of the North American continent in the eighteenth century, the need of a light weight, accurate, and ammunition conservative weapon both for hunting and self-defense became apparent. Many Pennsylvania gunsmiths, were of Germanic ancestry. They developed just such a weapon based on the short bulky hunting rifle known as a Jaeger, which was used in their former homeland. The classic style of the "American Flintlock Longrifle" evolved over a period of more than one-hundred years, from the early 1700's thru the 1830's, and on into the percussion era. It became a truly exceptional piece of functional art. The butt-stock was slenderized and a more comfortable cheek-piece took shape. Fragile wooden patchboxes evolved into durable, intricate brass patchboxes. Trigger guards were reduced in bulk and took on a more pleasing line. Although walnut, cherry and other hardwoods were used in stock making, curly maple was the overwhelming choice. The stocks became longer, thinner, lighter in weight and took on a very graceful appearance. Forged octagonal barrels became longer and better balanced as bores got smaller, finally averaging about .45-caliber. This allowed hunters and explorers to stay in the field for longer periods of time, using less powder and lead, with a weapon that was accurate up to and beyond two hundred yards. Although it was slower to re-load, this was considered to be a great improvement over the military style smoothbore musket of the time, which required nearly twice the powder and lead and was only reasonably accurate out to eighty yards. Ivory, pearl and expensive gold inlays were rarely used until the very end of the period and into the percussion era, which ran up until the Civil War. Raised relief carving became a prominent feature of the rifle and many unsigned pieces can be accurately attributed to a specific gunsmith based on comparisons of this part of his craft. Some gunsmiths made their own locks and triggers, but most used high quality imported parts from England or Germany.

This rifle was painted from an exquisite example of an original working rifle (as opposed to a presentation piece) crafted by Henry Wolf. Wolf worked out of Fort Pitt (then known as Fort Dunmore, present day Pittsburgh), in the 1790's. This man had a reputation of being brave, but a hard taskmaster, as he had at least three apprentices run off. It is believed that he was the "Henry Wolf" who, against the wishes of his fellow militiamen and friends, broke into the fort and rescued Major Kirkpatrick who was being held there by supporters of the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794.

Henry Wolf and this rifle are featured in the book, "The Longrifles of Western Pennsylvania", authored by Richard F. Rosenberger and Charles Kaufmann and published by the University of Pittsburgh Press.

The highly detailed painting entitled "The Longrifle" has been reproduced as a very limited edition, archival quality, giclee canvas print of only ten individually signed and numbered reproductions.

The giclee process, especially in small quantities, is an extremely costly endeavor, however, it allows the collector to obtain a superior quality, lasting work of art which can be displayed without the need of protective matting or glass.