The majority of the Germans in PA (at least during the first quarter or so of the 18th century) were Anabaptists of one form or another (Mennonite, Amish) and were from the Pfalz (the Palatinate). Previously, the Pfalz had been a safe haven but in the late 16th century, the ruler of the land revoked the tolerances put in place by his forebears (the names and specifics I don't remember...haven't looked at it in a long while). Many of these people were originally from Switzerland who went to the Pfalz for toleration. Quite a few of the immigrants to America came directly from Switzerland. By the middle of the 18th century, the majority of Germans in PA were Protestants (Lutheran and Reformed, with a smattering of Moravians) and were from all over the German lands.
Gun styling from the Pfalz...good question. For the most part, "schools" like we know them for American guns did not really exist in Germany. There ARE some styles that are specific to certain regions, but to a great degree, it can be VERY hard to put locations on German guns. One might say the "typical" SW German gun (though there is no such thing) might have a straight wrist with raised carving...not much help, eh? One thing that does make a gun somewhat more identifiable is the presence of the "Fraenkischer Stern". When this is seen on a gun, the auction catalogs immediately identify it as a "south german" gun. It is found primarily on guns from the Main river area, running from Franken all the way to the Pfalz. I have photos of only one rifle known to have been made in the Pfalz. It is straight wristed with relatively little relief carving. The star is on the cheekpiece. It also has a wood box with sections on the front and rear of the box lid made out of very burly wood, separated by white lines, likely made of bone. Matching decoration is found on the cheekpiece edge. A very attractive rifle.
