Peter Berry Flintlock Kentucky Long Rifle 45" barrel, .60 caliber, marked "Pe Berry". Overall 60.5" in length. Buttstock is relief carved with flowers and rococo carving. Features exceptionally fine carving throughout. Lock is unmarked. Early 19th century. Peter Berry was a fine maker of long, slender guns with beautiful patchboxes and is considered to be a grand gunsmith. $10,000-15,000 Provenance: James D. Julia Auction, 2014, Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin; Private Collection, Anacortes, WA.

Peter Berry (1762–1831) – Berks County, Pennsylvania
One of the most admired masters of the Berks County tradition, Peter Berry built rifles of striking elegance and accuracy that remain cornerstones of the Pennsylvania long rifle form. Born in Berks County to German immigrants, Berry served briefly in the local militia during the Revolution before establishing a thriving gun shop in Reading. His rifles feature rich relief carving, pierced patchboxes, and fine engraving—details that show the maturity of Pennsylvania rifle design at the turn of the 19th century. Berry’s influence on later makers is unmistakable, and his surviving rifles are regarded as some of the finest examples of early American art.

Lock appears to be a replacement, 3" of wood replacement forward of sideplate. All carving and brass work is in very nice condition. 15" of forend wood has been replaced. Please call for more photos and details.