Read about the rifle that was made in America by gunsmiths who migrated to Lancaster Co., Pa., from central Europe in the first half of the 18th century. This intensive study and exacting research by Kauffman has brought to light a tremendous amount of information on America's first great rifle. First printed in 1960, this book has an extensive listing of gunsmiths and the stylized work of the makers. Various rifles are identified with many photos and sketches and documentary data. (374pp. illus. index. Masthof Press, 2005 reprint.)
The first comprehensive history of gun making by the Moravians of early America. Includes detailed photographs and discussions of twelve examples of guns known to be made by their gunsmiths.
The intent is not a complete history of American longrifles or a full description of the context in which they were made and used. An overview of their design evolution, history, and distinguishing characteristics is presented as a backdrop to discussion of the gunsmiths of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, key players in the golden age of American riflemaking. The nicely designed volume measures 11.25x9.25", a perfect shape for the necessarily horizontal, abundant illustrations. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
This book is a documentation of the exhibit entitled Kentucky Rifles of the Great Smoky Mountains held at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee from May 1 through October 25, 2018. The exhibit was sponsored by the Kentucky Rifle Foundation, http://kentuckyriflefoundation.org/ , and showcases southern mountain rifles from Eastern Tennessee and Western North CarolinaThe body of the book provides a two-page layout on each rifle in the exhibit. Each layout begins with a description of the rifle, its builder if known, and the area of the Smokies where it was built. These descriptions are based on the rifles' style and particular characteristics, established by where the builder lived and other similar rifles found in that local area. The description is complemented by a half-dozen detailed photos of the rifle, on a white background. The photos typically show a full-length photo of the rifle, a detail of each side of the butt stock, and top and bottom views. Additional photos are of details such as the builder's signature and patchbox.The book also contains layouts of the four pistols and three accessory sets including hunting bags and powder horns that were part of the exhibit. As an appendix, the book contains a table giving related dimensions for each of the rifles and pistols providing information such as caliber, overall length, barrel length, trigger pull, and drop of the butt plate. This information is especially useful to researchers and contemporary builders. The book ends with a collage of photos related to the exhibit.The book should be of interest to local historians and anyone interested in the Kentucky rifle and its use in colonial America. It should be of particular interest to anyone owning one of these rifles or seeking to learn how to recognize the nuances of southern mountain rifles from the Smokies. The book contains over 175 full-color high resolution photographs of the 23 rifles, 4 pistols, and hunting accessories, in an 8.5 X 11-inch format.
