American Fowling Piece

attributed to
Isaac Haines

From the similarity of the carved designs and their execution on this piece when compared to several signed examples of the work of Lancaster gunsmith Isaac Haines, it leaves little doubt that this is indeed the work of Haines.

    However the sideplate of this piece is almost identical to one found on a smooth rifle that has been attributed to George Federick Fainot, also a Lancaster gunsmith whose shop was just down the street from Haines. (rifle # 82 in Shumways, R.C.A. - Volume I, pages 344 –347)

The stock of boldly curled maple is designed in the typical early Lancaster fashion and it carries relief carved designs and molding in all of the usual places. The beautifully designed rococo carvings behind the tang, and at the rear entry pipe along with flowing molding surrounding the lock and sideplates mortises are also common to the work of Isaac Haines.

The Rifles

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