Centre County, PA 1821-1841

1.

Rifle barrel shortened at breach, plain stock (this rifle has had a rough life). Barrel length 27.5”, .38 caliber, total length 44”. Double set triggers.

     Part of BELLEFONTE stamp  remains: "EFONTE" barely visible at breach.

     Bellefonte was near the village of Roopsburg, founded by Jacob Roop in the 1820's. 

Circa 1830's

Leman Lancaster, PA Flintlock conv. to bolster percussion

Barrell stamped J. Roop

T17

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3.

This is a unique rifle.  The lock and barrel are signed in typical Jacob Roop manner, i.e  "J. Roop".  The hardware is consistent with his other rifles. However, the engraving on the patch box and the black incise scroll on both sides of the fore stock are atypical.  Some might say this is a period restock but I believe this came out of Roop's shop for 3 reasons:

1. The  tiger maple, the architecture, the shape around mortises, and the patch box style are all typical of Roop in Centre County.   

2.  It is possible that  J Roop sold this rifle without engraving the patch box and the owner or  a subsequent owner had the patch box engraved. Most Roop rifles I have seen that include a star on the cheek rest,  have that star engraved. This rifle has a star without engraving.   or...

3. This rifle was built in Roop's shop but the patch box and the incise scrolling were done by workmen employed by Roop.  Jacob clearly stated in his introductory advertisement  to Bellefonte, Centre County, PA  that he employed fine workmen (see photo of ad. below).

.45 caliber, smoothbore barrel length 33.75”, Total length 53”. 

Circa 1830's

J. Roop Flintlock

Barrell stamped J. Roop (barely visible due to wear)

T35

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