American Longrifle

Gunsmith John Bonewitz American
ca. 1790–1800
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 372
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
Bonewitz was unfailingly consistent in the decoration of his rifles. Signature features that identify his work include the distinctive silhouette of the patch box, here inscribed "Wommels dorf" on the lid, and his mark, IB next to a rampant lion, stamped at the base of the barrel opposite the lock.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: American Longrifle
  • Gunsmith: John Bonewitz (American, Pennsylvania 1758–1828 Pine Grove, Pennsylvania)
  • Date: ca. 1790–1800
  • Geography: Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania
  • Culture: American, Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania
  • Medium: Wood, iron, brass, silver
  • Dimensions: L. 60 in. (152.4 cm); L. of barrel 44 1/4 in. (112.4 cm); Cal. .49 in. (12.44 mm); Wt. 9 lb. 1.6 oz. (4127 g)
  • Classification: Firearms-Guns-Flintlock
  • Credit Line: Private Collection
  • Object Number: L.2019.15.1
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
John Bonewitz - American Longrifle - American, Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania - The Metropolitan Museum of Art