Inlays and their meanings

[StevenV]

I am thinking about adding this to this gun. Any comments??? Also, the different types of inlays are supposed to have " meanings" behind them. Does anyone have any info I can look at , read about the inlay meanings? Thanks in advance  Steve

[mesabi]

In a late 1960's or early 1970's there was an article in Gun Digest that illustrated and discussed a number of inlays and their meaning.  Many seem to be based on what I'll call (probably incorrectly) Pennsylvania Dutch folk art, with the same figures appearing on barns, quilts, painted furniture, etc.

My young self was enthralled by the article.  My older self questions the scholarship that went into the article.  That issue of Gun Digest is with some of my other books in Minnesota.  I can provide the specific year and author's name when I head back up for the Fourth if you'd like.

[elkhorne]

Steven,
Several years ago, there was an article here on ALR that covered the meanings of many historical and folk art symbols used as inlays on longrifles and art in colonial times. As best as I can recall, some had folk art background and some had religious backgrounds. I will see if I can find it and post it on here if I can find it. Very interesting area of study. Good luck.
elkhorne

[whetrock]

Here are a couple of pages that I found in a search.
One on here. The other on muzzleloading forum.

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=17176.0

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/brass-embellishments-and-their-meanings.47085/

[StevenV]

Thank you for your helpful reply's. Whetrock I read yours.
Steve

[hudson]

I believe Muzzle Blast had an article many years ago.

[Enfield]

If an inlay looks good and gives some character to your rifle, just do it ...
I have this salmon here on my colonial, because I also like fishing and I wanted to bring in both sides of myself.

[Karl Kunkel]

If you can find a copy, Don Getz recommended this article years ago.

"Lancaster Rifle Accessories" by Henry & George Landis located in the Pennsylvania German Folklore Society Vol IX of 1944.  The article covers early Progress of rifle design, types of early rifles, decoration, hunter's equipment, and Lancaster pistols.

The Landis brothers were curators of the Landis Valley Museum in Lancaster, now the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum. The Pennsylvania State's Museum of Pennsylvania German History, Heritage, Lifeways and Farming.

[Gaeckle]

Here's some interesting inlays for you to ponder











These rifles were made by Dave Leonard, an Ohio gunsmith practicing in the mid 19th century.