U.S. Henry Deringer Model 1814 Common Rifle

Henry Deringer of Philadelphia, and R. Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut each received a government contract to produce 2,000 of this type of rifle at a price of $17 each. Originally a .54 caliber rifled arm, this example was smoothbored for Indian treaty sales. This Indian trade arm does not feature a patchbox or sling swivels common to the Model 1814 contract military rifle.

Henry Derringer (U.S.) Indian Treaty Smooth-bore Flint-lock Long Rifle (single-shot/ muzzle-loading/ black powder/ ball ammunition) Fought mainly against Britain's navy, the War of 1812 earned little glory for the United States Army. The only great American land victory involved the use of civilian militia armed with Kentucky Long Rifles to defend New Orleans. When the U.S. prevailed, aroused Native Americans wanted Long Rifles as well. The U.S. Office of Indian Trade called for contractors to provide these natives with approximations of the Long Rifles. Among the contractors was Henry Deringer of Philadelphia.

In 1814 as part of his contract, he made 60 smooth-bore rifles" that could be used for hunting with either round ball or shot. This specimen is one of these guns. This U.S. Government's policy not to give Native Americans military arms would remain in effect even to modern times." --Dr. William L. Roberts, THE AMERICAN LIBERTY COLLECTION; #34