The "Litany" Rifle
Maker Unknown - Circa 1790
Dubbed the " Litany Rifle" by Frank House, this striking piece was found near Chattanooga, Tennessee. It's maker, as well as place of origin is unknown. It exhibits subtle characteristics relating to rifles built by gunsmiths originating in the Watauga region of Southwest Virginia and North Carolina, who in the 1780's moved over the Appalachian mountains traveling thru what is now Kentucky and Tennessee, settling in the lower Cumberland region. (See article - "Riflemen of the Cumberland" - media section of this website)
The stock architecture with high comb along with an elongated silver diamond inlay in its cheek piece, immediately makes one think of the 1791 dated rifle by Thomas Simpson made for early Longhunter, Gasper Mansker, as well as later rifle's built during the first quarter of the 19th. century by Jacob Young. The finial of the patchbox is very similar in design and the style of engraving, especially the cross hatching with dots used on the silver toeplate, are very reminiscent of the hand of both Thomas Simpson and Jacob Young. However, the feature making this rifle quite unique is the inscription on it's patchbox lid.
For fear I have my gun to mend
I am determined not to lend
But you may do as I have done
Pay down your cash and get a gun.
This profound statement gives this piece a singular and unique persona.
It's sturdy buttstock is a full two inches wide, the heavily swamped (tapered and flared) barrel is 47 1/2 inches long and about .50 caliber.
The stock architecture with high comb along with an elongated silver diamond inlay in its cheek piece, immediately makes one think of the 1791 dated rifle by Thomas Simpson made for early Longhunter, Gasper Mansker, as well as later rifle's built during the first quarter of the 19th. century by Jacob Young. The finial of the patchbox is very similar in design and the style of engraving, especially the cross hatching with dots used on the silver toeplate, are very reminiscent of the hand of both Thomas Simpson and Jacob Young. However, the feature making this rifle quite unique is the inscription on it's patchbox lid.
For fear I have my gun to mend
I am determined not to lend
But you may do as I have done
Pay down your cash and get a gun.
This profound statement gives this piece a singular and unique persona.
It's sturdy buttstock is a full two inches wide, the heavily swamped (tapered and flared) barrel is 47 1/2 inches long and about .50 caliber.
