A P McDermit of Mason County

 A. P. McDermit Gunsmith, Civil War Union Soldier, Dentist & Druggist. Born in 1827, he died in 1899. McDermit was most active in making rifles from 1850-1860 in Mason County, West Virginia.  He is listed as a gunsmith in Mason County in the 1850 census & as a gunsmith in the 1860 census in Point Pleasant.

                                                                             

                                                         1860 Point Pleasant
 

The heavy octagon-to-round barrel and brass inserts near the muzzle to attach a shade indicate target shooting usage. While it could have been used as a buffalo rifle or Civil War sniper rifle, as the .54 caliber is large enough, it appears to have had very little use. Whatever this rifle was used for, it proudly represents the skill and artistic talents of one of West Virginia's finest gunmakers.

                                                       Percussion rifle circa 1860 

                                                                     39-inch barrel 

                                                                       Walnut stock

                                                                        Brass capbox    

                                     Top of barrel signed by maker & fined notched rear sight.

                                               Lock made & signed by A. P. McDermit.

                                                     Brass tabs near the muzzle for sunshade.

                                                          Beautiful brass furnishings

                                           Brass ball or accessory storage box near toe plate. 

                                                                     

                                 Poured pewter nose cap & heavy octagon to round .54 cal barrel.

                                                    Silver inlay surrounding barrel wedge.

Finely engraved silver cheekpiece inlay 

                        For more information on this interesting rifle maker, Click.

                                                Thanks for viewing, JDM & BMS

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