MARTIN RIZER SIGNED VIRGINIA / MARYLAND KENTUCKY-STYLE LONG RIFLE, percussion, possibly converted, double set triggers; lockplate with worn scrolling foliate decoration, hammer with stylistically different scrolling decoration; octagonal barrel, rifled with seven grooves, marked to top above lockplate "M. L. Rizer"; buttstock with pierced scrolling border brass patchbox, brass buttplate, reverse with possibly German silver eight-point star to cheekrest, brass circle centering mother-of-pearl button, and mother-of-pearl bar to underside; brass trigger guard, scrolling side plate, and circle to rear of side plate above trigger. Approximately .40 caliber. Stock likely maple, with remnants of banding decoration. Late 18th/early 19th century. 45 1/2" L, barrel 30" L.


Catalogue Note: Either Martin Rizer (b.c. 1755, died 1815), or his father, of the same name, was connected to the Phillip Sheetz gunsmithing business of Martinsburg, Virginia (now West Virginia). He was a resident of Berkeley County, VA (now WV) circa 1789, and later Wills Town, Allegany County, MD.

Lock in working condition, percussion nipple slightly misshapen, loss to bottom corner of butt, including part of brass plate, patchbox repaired and will not open, lacking rear screw of trigger guard.