in Search of...Smithsonian "transitional rifle" pics

[backsplash75]

This rifle was in the Smithsonian's "Price of Freedom" exhibit over a decade ago, and the photography is limited (Smithsonian database has only one), I am pretty sure it was published elsewhere, does anyone have better images?



American Long Rifle
Date: about 1760
Catalog #: 1979.0516.01    Accession #: 1979.0516
Credit: Division of Military History and Diplomacy, National Museum of American History

Dimensions / Weight
Dimensions: 8" H x 60" W x 2.5" D
Physical Description
American long rifle, .54 caliber with wooden patchbox.
Specific History
This early example of the American long rifle reflects its Germanic origins. It has a wooden patchbox for storing patches to load and clean with; a flared muzzle and thick shoulder stock which are like that of the German Jaeger rifle.

[Eric Kettenburg]

I can't get the pics to open up larger, for some reason.  Isn't that the "tulip rifle?"

[rich pierce]

Looks like rifle 110 in Rifles of Colonial America volume 2. I’m basing that on guard shape and architecture.

Some think 110 may be Scandinavian. It’s stocked in birch. It’s a smooth rifle. Carving is crude and the cheekpiece is round.

Just read Eric’s reply. Could be the tulip rifle.

[backsplash75]

The lock looks different than the Tulip rifle's lock with the filed line on the tail. Looks REALLY close to RCA 110 and has a similar OAL, but the Smithsonian object info for the gun says .54 and RCA110 is listed as .51", of course one of those might be a typo.
 

[Eric Kettenburg]

Oh yeah, I think you're right - it's 110.  I think I was merging that one and the tulip rifle together in my mind because quite a number of folks think both of them may be Scandinavian.  It's an interesting hypothesis, and very possibly accurate.

[backsplash75]

thanks for the input fellas! 

[smart dog]

Hi,
Another interesting note about the Smithsonian display is the matchlock gun in the case (the "Newtown gun") is a 20th century fake. 

dave

[backsplash75]

Hi,
Another interesting note about the Smithsonian display is the matchlock gun in the case (the "Newtown gun") is a 20th century fake. 

dave

One can get in a good bit of trouble pointing out such things in certain crowds. That isn't the only funky inscribed/branded gun is suspicious at that institution. 

[mr. no gold]

And speaking of the Smithsonian, it is surprising how few Kentucky Rifles they have when compared with all of the other weapon types. I had an opportunity a number of years ago to go 'inside' for a tour and had expected to see some spectacular things, but the best I saw was Koons Maryland rifle which had a brass sun shield on the barrel. I think that the powder horn collection they have may be a different story.
Dick