Flintlock Longrifle

Samuel Baum Sr.

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This rifle has several features that are characteristic of the Upper Susquehanna School, sometimes also called the Sunbury School or the Northumberland School, encompassing Union, Snyder, and Northumberland Counties in east-central Pennsylvania. The upper and lower plates of the patch box, the shape of the side plate (opposite the lock), and the silver inlays shaped like fish and crescent moons were popular with gunsmiths in this region. The style of the engraving, the presence of inset bone or ivory plaques in the decoration, and the rare use of a detachable forestock (known as a takedown stock) suggest the work of Samuel Baum Sr., or someone influenced by him. Baum was a prolific gunsmith and one of only a few to make rifles with this type of forestock.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art