AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: Bob Pearl on December 19, 2010, 02:35:55 PM

Title: J Locke
Post by: Bob Pearl on December 19, 2010, 02:35:55 PM

Well, I'm a new old member, born again so to speak. Haven't participated since the new change in login, etc. and have been busy with researching for books that are now published.
This is a great forum that allows many opinions to be shared.
My father bought this gun and two others in Mass. from a neighbor when he was alive and I recently had them shipped to me. This is the most interesting of the three. Thought someone might recognize the name or place it according to architecture.


http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p74/pearlantiques/J%20Locke%20gun/

Thanks for your thoughts.

Title: Re: J Locke
Post by: hurricane on December 19, 2010, 04:23:09 PM

Sellers, in his book "American Gunsmiths" list a J.D. Locke of NY,NY in 1860. It states he was an agent North and Couch pistol. The lock mechanism/conversion and signature (J.L.) is most interesting.

Title: Re: J Locke
Post by: Bob Pearl on December 19, 2010, 05:13:00 PM

Thanks hurricane, appears the lock is original. J D Locke must be the guy, I haven't found J Locke anywhere.

Title: Re: J Locke
Post by: Dennis Glazener on December 19, 2010, 09:12:43 PM

Welcome back to ALR Bob, I remember you from the old forum. From NC if I remember correctly. I am a Virginian but all of my ancestors were from western NC.
Dennis

Title: Re: J Locke
Post by: Bob Pearl on December 19, 2010, 10:14:40 PM

I remember you also Dennis, you wrote the Gillespie Book. A favorite family of mine as it has a connection with eastern Catawba Valley (NC) furniture. Different branch of the same tree!

Title: Re: J Locke
Post by: Curt J on December 20, 2010, 08:21:31 AM

Fascinating rifle!  It definitely looks New York, but that lock is quite unique. I have seen one similar to this before, if I can just remember where.

Title: Re: J Locke
Post by: nord on December 20, 2010, 04:40:05 PM

Almost certainly a NY rifle. Look in the library under NY guns... Losey, Town of Caroline.

Title: Re: J Locke
Post by: tom patton on December 21, 2010, 02:42:34 AM

Good to see you back,Bob.Are you  still into antiques and restoration projects?
Tom Patton

Title: Re: J Locke
Post by: Steve Collward on December 21, 2010, 04:02:12 AM

Bob:
   Vol. 1, pp. 100-107 of the New York State Firearms Trade (Swinney/Rowe) lists gunmaker Wyllys Avery of Salisbury Center, N.Y. (ca. 1820-1859?) who used the same style of lock that is on your gun.  Five different guns by Avery are illustrated showing the lock with an external spring.
   Three of those illustrated are stamped "Avery" on the lock plate.

Steve C.

Title: Re: J Locke
Post by: Bob Pearl on December 21, 2010, 02:30:58 PM

Greetings Tom, It's good to know you are still sharing your knowledge with the rest of the world! Yes, I'm still restoring old houses of all periods and restoring antiques for those who prefer old imperfect finishes. How is Earl Lanning? Does he still post here?
Thanks Steve Collward, maybe the external lock is a regional characteristic. Never thought it was N.Y.
Thanks to all, Bob