This artifact is a militia longarm manufactured by gunsmith H. E. Leman of Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the early 1860s. Leman was best known for his Kentucky-type rifles but produced an estimated 500 of these .58 caliber, muzzleloading single shot percussion rifles to fill a presumed Civil War contract for the State of Pennsylvania. Longarm exhibits its rifled, three-grooved bore in the barrel that measures 49” long overall.  Barrel is mated to a fine black walnut stock with two iron bands and flat springs.  Furniture mountings are brass and include the butt plate, triggerguard and nose cap.   No patch box.  Stock appears to have been refinished at one time and wears a dark pleasing patina overall with just slight scuffs and dents. Case hardened lockplate is flat and unbeveled and sits flush to the stock. Stampings “H. E. LEMAN / LANCASTER, Pa.” in two lines forward of the hammer are clear.

The 33” long round barrel, originally browned, wears a pleasant, dusky gray coloring along with light rust pitting on the overall surface. Rear sight appears to be a modification from the original “V” notch sight. A bolster fitted with a clean out screw is similar to that of the `1861`rifle musket. Top flat of the barrel shows maker stamping ““H. E. LEMAN / LANCASTER, Pa.” that is pitted.   Rifle has its original, straight-shank steel ramrod with its tulip-shaped head and threaded tip.  Mechanics tight and strong. Bore is dusty with scattered light surface pitting but should clean up to semi-bright. A fine example of a seldom seen ‘Leman’ Pennsylvania militia rifle.

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