William Britton

           William Britton was born in Maryland in 1794.  Worked at Harpers Ferry Arsenal. In the 1850 Hampshire County census, present-day Mineral, near Ft Ashby, we find Britton listed as a Gunsmith 56 years old, living with a family of 12; he was the only Britton on that record. Pictured in the (1) Gunsmiths of Maryland book on page 115 is a rifle by Martin Rizer. Martin was a gunsmith in Cumberland, Maryland, from the late 1700s till his death in 1815. This Martin Rizer rifle uses the same butt plate return, toe plate, and patch box finial as this Britton rifle. With these features on both rifles, William Britton most likely apprenticed with Martin Rizer II.  If not, there was a close association between the two individuals. As far as we know, only half a dozen of Britton's rifles still exists. 

                                                                Signed W. Britton

                                                        

Click to enlarge.

                                

The above rifle was made circa 1820.  It was a flintlock and, during the percussion period, was converted to percussion using the original lockplate.  It has deep relief Rococo carving and artistically engraved brass furnishings.  

                                                                               

Signed, W. Britton

  The above William Britton rifle was made circa 1840.  The overall length is 57 inches & the 38-cal rifled barrel is 42 inches long.  G Moyer, a lockmaker in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, signed the percussion lock.  

Thanks to the owner of these rifles who allow us to photograph & post pictures of their rifles.  Thanks to  Aspenshadeltd for sharing photos with us.  BMS & JDM

1 Gunsmith of Maryland by Daniel D Hartzler & James B. Whisker