AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: 5judge on September 30, 2023, 03:10:34 AM
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A friend of mine just acquired this nifty little .36ish caliber Indiana / Ohio rifle. Interesting that the lock is repurposed from a U.S. M.1819 pistol. On a plate atop the barrel is the name "O.F. Helfferich". Should that be the maker, does the name ring a bell with anyone? Thanks!
(https://i.ibb.co/tJMzLxk/adavvv.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
(https://i.ibb.co/G7qxjJ1/adavvvvvvvv.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
(https://i.ibb.co/4Jtqrr7/adavvvvvvvvv.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zNxMvvr)
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P.S. I recognize, being from Indiana myself, I'm being presumptuous concluding this is, in fact, a rifle of Indiana or Ohio origins.
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Otto Helfricht ,Saginaw Michichan. May have changed his spelling , could be a German Immigrant. Guessing of course.
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There was a O F Helfferich , ship carpenter in the 1857-1858 Detroit Michigan city directory.
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The single trigger, scrolled guard, and shorted forestock grip area all look correct for a Michigan rifle... many of which were influenced by New York rifle styles. A number of New York gunsmiths moved to Michigan in the mid-1800s [perhaps same latitude when moving west?] and influenced the local gunsmithing trade there.
Shelby Gallien
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Good looking old halfstock no matter who made it.I have made a few very similar but that was over 50 years ago. :(
Bob Roller
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Good on you! Any you might illustrate and describe?