The Longrifle Makers of the Mecklenburg School

The Mecklenburg School was one of nine Longrifle Schools that operated in Piedmont and Western North Carolina during the period between 1760 and 1835. The earliest gunsmiths in the North Carolina Schools were thought to have started their careers in Pennsylvania. Late 18th Century North Carolina Longrifles are hard to identify as they are like Pennsylvania Longrifles. The gunsmiths did not change their style when they moved across the state line. As the new gunsmiths settled into the different areas of the Piedmont in North Carolina, they developed regional styles that became the local Schools. When people think of art objects, they seldom think of guns. If you study Piedmont North Carolina Decorative Arts, you will find that Longrifles are some of the most ornate art items made in this state. A full tour of the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts in Winston-Salem will help you become aware of the rich decorative arts heritage we have in this state. Most people who currently live in the region have never seen a Mecklenburg School Longrifle. To my knowledge, there has never been a Longrifle from this school displayed at any local museum. The fact that only 19 Mecklenburg School Longrifles and one pistol are known to survive has contributed to them not being available for the public to see, appreciate, or study. The gunsmiths of the Mecklenburg Longrifle School achieved the highest art form to be found in North Carolina. The best Longrifles from this school are very prized today by museums and collectors for both their history and decorative art aspect.