For you Berks Co. aficionados:
Just picked up a rifle-built smoothbore, 49 in. octagon to round barrel, about .60 cal. marked I GEORG 1823 in engraved block letters.
I am assuming this is Jacob George of Berks Co. and the gun shares many similarities with his guns pictured in Kaufmann p. 236 and Johnston (Kentucky Rifles and Pistols 1750-1850), p. 114 (mine has a similar massive sideplate; seems to be a replacement of an original of same contour). Here is photo:
2 piece engraved patch box, large round engraved floral inlay on cheekpiece, engraved thumb piece, etc. 1 1/2 in butt; flintlock replaced by a freakishly distorted Truitt Bros. percussion lock with welded extensions to fit the lock mortise; about 1/2 of forestock seems an old replacement (45 degree angle dovetail)
Any one know of any other pictures out there? Or any info beyond the above sources? Thanks! AK
