Bethlehem School
Bucks County - Andrew Verner

Andrew Verner style built by contemporary builder, Dane Lund. Master gunmaker Andrew Verner is thought to have worked during the 1780’s - 1790’s. A classic Verner feature is the classic straight comb with graceful curved underbelly which terminates at the trigger area. I know of only two rifles by him and I offer a patchbox for both. Both are side-opening patchboxes which appeared typical of his work. The very early gun uses the door only. The later rifle was more intricate; finer and thinner in total detail throughout, with ornate inlays including belly plate, wire inlay, extra long thimbles, extensive and beautiful carving and engraving, and uses the fancier patchbox with sideplates and finial. The later gun looks as if it used a lock similar in design to the large Siler flint or L&R Classic.

This wonderful pre-shaped stock pattern is based on the shape of a rifle by A. Verner. A slimmer and taller buttstock, with wrist detail which is wider than tall in profile at the breech, it tapers gently back into a sharp comb. This stock is very slim to make an appropriate Bucks County style from most any of the makers in the Allentown area or Bethlehem School of later gunsmiths. (Another maker of this school with similar design includes Jacob Dubbs of Northampton County. Pre-shaped stock comes with standard straight barrel channel up to 7/8” and drilled ramrod hole. Stock will handle up to a maximum of a B weight barrel. Inletting for Siler lock, DST triggers and swamped barrels are available at an extra charge. Swamped barrels must be individually inlet. Please allow an extra 5 to 8 weeks minimum to process swamped barrel inlets.