Flintlock Pennsylvania Long Rifle by Jacob Fordney, ca. 1840

Featuring 43″ octagonal barrel of approximately .42 caliber, with dovetailed brass front blade sight and dovetailed rear iron notch sight; the top flat stamped “J. FORDNEY/LANCASTER: PA”. Jacob Fortney, 1808-1878, had a shop located at the corner of Orange and Prince streets in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Lock with flat lockplate with border engraving and engraved floral decor behind the cock; no visible maker’s name. Double-set triggers, the lock only functioning on half cock. Walnut full stock with brass mounts, including trigger guard, butt plate, decorative patchbox, and ramrod thimbles; later iron side plate. Wood ramrod. Barrel with dents, scattered pitting at the breech and touch hole, and a dark patina. Lock with heavy pitting forward of the cock; does not hold on full cock. Stock with numerous dents and scratches, with a long stable crack going through the side plate, and large splinters missing from forward of the lock and on the left side of the barrel tang. Patchbox is stuck closed; lacking two barrel wedges. Overall length 58″. Shows considerable age and would make a great decorator piece above the fireplace.