I've scanned in box pictures of a few of the rifles I mentioned in the above post. The scan quality isn't the greatest, but it's better than nothing. If you have Maryland Longrifles by Hartzler and Whisker, it will probably be best to refer to it since the image quality is better.
Figure 1: Emmitsburg school box. From page 36 of Maryland Longrifles by Hartzler and Whisker.
Figure 2: Box from Peter White rifle. From page 390 of Maryland Longrifles by Hartzler and Whisker.
Figure 3: Box from Peter White rifle. From page 40 of Maryland Longrifles by Hartzler and Whisker.
Here are the connections I see. Some of these are more significant than others, but I'll include them all since as a group, I think they make a stronger case.
1) Same hinge construction as boxes shown.
2) Same border along box lid edge as examples shown.
3) Engraving at each end of box lid shown in Figure 1 (fleur-de-lis designs and areas of heavy cross hatching) is similar in design and execution to that on unknown finial.
4) Presence and style of text on Box lid.
5) Similar engraving around lower box final screws of unknown example as engraving around screws nearest the butplate on box shown in Figure 3.
6) Vine like floral engraving on box lid of unknown example appears to have similarities to that in Figures 2 and 3. One item I believe to be of significance is the manner in which the branching lobes are shade cut. This style of engraving relates to other Emmitsburg area examples as well. As a final note, the lid of the unknown exaple appears to have been shortened. Probably used on a restocked rifle.
7) Finally the groups of three individual graver cuts that branch from the vine like engraving of box shown in Figure 2. A similar design using groups of individual graver cuts are used to form the V-shaped running design element on the lid of the unknown example.
Once again, if you can reference the published photographs, I think you will be much better off. Look forward to hearing what you all think.
Thanks,
Jim
