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Bruce Miller Virtual Library - Antique American Firearms & Makers => Great Plains Exhibits => WELCOME TO The Bruce Miller Virtual Library & Museum ---->> CLICK HERE TO ENTER <<---- => Golcher & Simpson - St. Paul => Topic started by: nord on April 03, 2009, 06:40:47 PM

Title: Plains Rifle 090330-2
Post by: nord on April 03, 2009, 06:40:47 PM

GOLCHER & SIMPSON, St. PAUL.  This one certainly qualifies as a Plains Rifle.
 
Measurements are as follows:
 
Length overall:                      47 1/2"
 
Barrel length:                       30 1/2"
 
Width across flats:               1 1/8"
 
Caliber:                                approximately .50
 
Length of pull:                      14"
 
Stock:                                 maple


(https://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww81/ALRLIBRARY/PLAINS%20RIFLE/090330-2/Image0012.jpg)
(https://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww81/ALRLIBRARY/PLAINS%20RIFLE/090330-2/Image0022.jpg)
(https://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww81/ALRLIBRARY/PLAINS%20RIFLE/090330-2/Image0042.jpg)
(https://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww81/ALRLIBRARY/PLAINS%20RIFLE/090330-2/Image0052.jpg)
(https://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww81/ALRLIBRARY/PLAINS%20RIFLE/090330-2/Image0062.jpg)
(https://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww81/ALRLIBRARY/PLAINS%20RIFLE/090330-2/Image0072.jpg)
(https://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww81/ALRLIBRARY/PLAINS%20RIFLE/090330-2/Image0082.jpg)

Title: Re: Plains Rifle 090330-2
Post by: Curt J on April 03, 2009, 10:25:32 PM

There is no doubt about where this rifle was made, it was definitely made in St. Paul, Minnesota. The 1860 census lists William Golcher as a gunsmith in the 2nd Ward, City of St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota.  Wm. Golcher was 26, born in England. He owned real estate valued at $400; personal estate valued at $1,000. His wife Kate, was 23, born in Ireland. A daughter, Mary A., age 4, was born in New Jersey.

William Golcher is also listed there as a gunsmith in the 1870 census, age 36, born in England. He by then owned real estate valued at $20,000 and personal estate valued at $10,000. His wife Catherine was 33, born in Ireland. Their daughter Mary was now 14, but listed as having been born in Minnesota. Three other children, Nellie, age 9; Harry, age 7; and "Baby" age 6/12, were all born in Minnesota.


I have not been able to find the partner named Simpson.

Title: Re: Plains Rifle 090330-2
Post by: Ray Nelson on March 16, 2010, 04:18:18 AM

The Minnesota Historical Society has a Golcher & Simpson 1/2 stock rifle. They list Simpson as Mr. James Simpson.

I have seen another Golcher & Simpson dated 1851 and have made a pattern of this one.  Buttplate and trigger guard furniture appears to be similar to this one., walnut wood, double set triggers, 1 1/8" barrel; 50 caliber; percussion sidelock and identical pewter nosecap.

I do like these guns.

Ray