John Bivins was one of the early masters of 20th century American long rifle making, and his work continues to influence makers today. He trained with Wallace Gusler of Colonial Williamsburg fame and was the mentor of other well-respected modern makers. This very fine rifle is number 107 of 200 from the Pennsylvania Bicentennial Commemorative Longrifle run handcrafted by Bivins and other contemporary riflemakers and has the commemorative plaque in the patch box where it doesn't distract from the beauty of the rifle. Unlike a normal commemorative firearm, these traditional flintlock rifles are handcrafted and vary from rifle to rifle. The antiqued blue barrel has traditional style blade and notch sights and Bivins' silver "I-B" maker's mark on the upper left flat at the breech. Like most of the original rifles, the swamped barrel is otherwise plain. The lock has no visible markings and is finished in an antique brown. Aside from the silver oval wrist escutcheon, the furniture is brass. The patch box and side plate have floral, scroll, and border engraving. The beautifully figured maple stock is very finely carved with molding on the forend and butt, stylized flats, a floral motif at the breech, scrollwork at the rear of the wrist, stepped cheek rest, and raised relief scrollwork on the left side of the butt. Documentation relating to the sale of the rifle in 1980 and a copy of the Bicentennial Commission of Pennsylvania sheet for this rifle, a H. White highly engraved powder horn numbered to the gun, a jag, and a patch worm are included.

Very fine overall with nearly all of the attractive "antiqued" textured blue finish on the barrel and brown on the lock as well as an attractive aged patina on the brass furniture, dark aged patina on the silver wrist escutcheon, crisp engraving and carving, some very light oxidation from storage, and minor handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. These bicentennial rifles are very difficult to come by as are any of Bivins' incredible and influential rifles.