Closer Look: A Wythe County, Virginia, Longrifle

MESDA and Old Salem Museums & Gardens are home to one of the most important collections of early southern longrifles. Some are richly inlaid with brass, silver, or even gold. But not this one. In this week's #mesda365 #CloserLook curator Daniel Ackermann explores the story behind an important, but often overlooked, longrifle from Wythe County, Virginia.

[@debluetailfly]

I remember visiting MESDA years ago. I was on the last tour of the day, and I guess the guide was in a hurry, but we were moving way to fast to suit me. I was drooling over the long rifles and the rest of the group moved on. The lady missed me and came back looking for me and telling me to keep up! I want to slow down and take in everything. I notice most visitors to historic sites just want a quick look at the way things were, and aren't really interested in learning. They just see some old outdated, quaint objects that are of no practical value in their digital world.

[@ronpardue]

Great job. Appreciate your comments and focus on flintlocks.

[@davidwilliams3476]

Daniel, thoroughly enjoyed the "closer look" on Wythe County longrifles.
Great job with MESDA 365.

[@barbaramcritchie3759]

Excellent presentation, Daniel. I really like the longrifles with brass trim. But thank you for pointing out that these were not as common as surviving longrifles indicate.

[@samcleaver3315]

My original rifle has many of the same charateristics: the end cap, trigger, trigger guard, butplate and type of wood is the same. I noticed that the muzzle is octagon shaped, is it flared as well? Mine has that characteristic and I assume it was for ease if loading.

[@debluetailfly]

Many think a flared barrel gives the gun a more balance feel. I have yet to get my hands on one yet to find out.

[@garyhiggins4315]

I think I would LOVE an American Longrifle even more than a fine English Purdey! 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@jenniferbaer6581]

i enjoy all of your videos, keep them comming! Do you have any pottery by Dave the Slave? Could you feature some or his pottery work or work by other African American artists in one of your videos. .

[@kevinhardin2941]

How long would this guy last on the American Frontier, ? In seconds ? 10,?, 15 ? .

[@TheHuntercamper]

Look like a reproduction

[@laurencethornblade8357]

Made in italy