Description
Nowhere in Pennsylvania, where early rifles were embellished with birds and hearts and raised carved stocks, was there more variety of gun making styles than that of Berks County. From the erliest Germanic style of Reading rifles, to the exquisitely carved rifles of Womelsdorf, to the folk art rifles of the Kutztown area, Berks County’s contribution to the history of the American gun making industry is legendary.
The Historical Society of Berks County illustrates this untold story by exhibiting many of the County’s most important examples from collections throughout America. Many of the rifles and artifacts have not been seen by the general public until now.
Fifty-four rifles and two pistols, accoutrements, and gun making tools are in the Berks County Longrifles & Gunmakers Exhibit. This book outlines the complete collection displayed in the bew Palmer Gallery of The Historical Society of Berks County.
