H. Deringer US Model 1817 “Common Rifle” .54 Cal 36″ Flintlock Muzzleloader

SOLD FOR: $1,326.00

LSB#: LSB250927CP001

Make: H. Deringer

Model: 1817 “Common Rifle”

Serial#: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: 1817-1840s

Caliber: .54

Action Type: Flintlock Muzzleloading Rifle

Markings: The barrel is marked “US P, GF”. The lock is marked “US H. Deringer, Philad”.

Barrel Length: 36″

Sights/ Optics: Post inlet into base soldered to the barrel, post missing. The rear sight is fixed and soldered to the barrel

Stock Configuration & Condition: One piece smooth walnut, 3 bands, oval patch box on the right side. The stock has wear, scratches, and dents consistent with a rifle of this age. There are a few minor cracks, receding wood, and a couple small repairs throughout. Overall this stock rates Good for an antique.

Type of Finish: Brown

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and there is significant rust and pitting. The rifling is faint. This bore is not shootable. In this writers opinion the bore rates a 1/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle has retained virtually none of its original finish. The finish has worn to a patina throughout. The brass has darkened from age and use. Overall this rifle is rated Good for an antique.

Mechanics: The lock appears to function. The bore is rusted to the point of obstruction. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.  

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The H. Deringer Model 1817 U.S. Common Rifle represents an important chapter in early American military arms, bridging the era between the Revolutionary War flintlocks and the later percussion service rifles. Produced in limited numbers for U.S. government contracts, the Common Rifle was intended as a standardized rifled arm for select troops, offering improved accuracy over smoothbore muskets. Examples marked by Henry Deringer of Philadelphia are especially significant, as his government work predates the fame later achieved by his pocket pistols and firmly places him among the most respected American gunmakers of the early 19th century.

This example features a 36″ barrel chambered in .54 caliber and retains correct military markings, including the “US P” and “GF” proofs on the barrel and the “US H. Deringer, Philad” marking on the lock. The rifle is stocked in one piece walnut with three barrel bands and an oval patch box on the right side, consistent with the Model 1817 pattern. The stock shows honest wear throughout, with scattered scratches, dents, minor cracks, receding wood, and a few small period repairs, all typical of a military long arm that saw age and service. The iron and brass furniture have mellowed to a dark, even patina that complements the rifle’s overall presentation.

The bore is dark with heavy rust and pitting and extremely faint rifling, rating 1/10 in this writer’s opinion and not considered shootable. The original brown finish has long since worn away, leaving a consistent patina across the metal surfaces, while the brass has darkened from age and handling. The lock appears to function, though the rifle has not been fired. Overall, this rifle presents as a scarce and historically important U.S. martial flintlock by a premier American maker, valued primarily for its originality, markings, and strong early federal military association. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF/MA