Melchoir Fordney, born in 1790 in or near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was a gunsmith. He first appeared as a gunsmith in 1811 and likely continued manufacturing firearms until his death in 1846. His elegant rifle features a triangular stock configuration, checkering, and prominent butt plate curvature, typical of the Lancaster school of gunsmithing.

In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, German colonists in Pennsylvania used Jaeger rifles for hunting and military purposes, which were shorter, heavier firearms with larger bores. In colonial America, smaller bores and longer barrels were necessary for greater range and accuracy. Pennsylvania gunsmiths pioneered hinged brass covers for patch boxes, eliminating sliding wooden covers and offering eye-catching decoration. Lancaster, home to gunsmiths by 1740, became a center for producing firearms. By the time Fordney made this rifle, the invention of the percussion cap ignition system and faster-burning gunpowder led to a shift in firearm configurations. Lancaster continued to be at the forefront of firearms production as industrial-scale manufacturing began.

This rifle features a triangular stock, curved butt plate, and Lancaster school outlines. It displays Fordney’s personal flourishes, including inlays and engraving on brass and silver components, checkering, and nailheads on the grip.