The estimated production of the Leman Rifle is estimated to be fewer than 300 produced in 1861 and 1862. Leman never received a government contract, and most of the sales were to militia groups and arms merchants. This example is in fine condition and is brass-mounted, except for the iron barrel bands. Henry E. Leman's involvement in the manufacture of arms goes back to 1828, when, at the age of 16, he was apprenticed to a Pennsylvania gun maker by the name of Melchior Fordney. He later worked for George W. Tryon's arms manufacturing in Philadelphia from1831to 1834. By 1836, he was listed in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as a gunsmith. There in Lancaster, he established the Conestoga Rifle Works and manufactured Indian trade arms for the Department of Indian Affairs and sporting rifles. During the American Civil War, he is known to have altered approximately 14,000 flintlock muskets for the state of Pennsylvania.

The brass butt plate, trigger guard, and nose cap have a nice mustard patina. All of the iron parts have an overall dull gun metal grey appearance. The ramrod may be a replacement and shows heavy pitting, not consistent with the rest of the firearm. The .58 caliber bore is dirty but retains the original rifling. The lock action is tight and functions properly mechanically. The lock markings H.E. Leman, over Lancaster, Pa., are visible, and the same logo is partially visible on the top of the barrel.