Flintlock Longrifle

Henry Young

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Henry Young, the maker of this longrifle, belonged to the third generation of a family that included at least five gunsmiths who were active over four generations or more. While many longrifles of the period succeed or fail as works of art based on the merits of their raised or incised carving, Henry Young’s rifles have little carving or none at all, instead being distinguished by their creatively shaped and delicately engraved brass fittings, and in particular by their eccentric, often asymmetrical patch boxes. The patch box of this rifle, an inspired Rococo fantasy, demonstrates the main characteristics of his style well. The first Henry Young, grandfather of the maker of this rifle, and his son John, were the first and second generation gunsmiths of the family. They lived and worked in Easton Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, where they may have trained, or at least inspired, other highly accomplished gunsmiths from the region, especially Herman Rupp and Jacob Kuntz.

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