AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: Fullstock longrifle on June 11, 2024, 03:50:58 AM

Title: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: Fullstock longrifle on June 11, 2024, 03:50:58 AM
I came across this rifle today that needs some help. The barrel is signed, but I can’t make it out, any idea who this maker is? Thanks for your help.

(https://i.ibb.co/N2v3yvF/IMG-7263.jpg) (https://ibb.co/v4FBjFc)

(https://i.ibb.co/k5hBZKW/IMG-7266.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wBKgtyx)

(https://i.ibb.co/yk4Rc01/IMG-7268.png) (https://ibb.co/VCwNcVZ)

(https://i.ibb.co/60Bn2BQ/IMG-7269.jpg) (https://ibb.co/chLgPLq)

(https://i.ibb.co/zhh1tp9/IMG-7270.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6RR2qz9)

(https://i.ibb.co/DVR7Vk5/IMG-7272.png) (https://ibb.co/smVFmQy)
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: Avlrc on June 11, 2024, 04:20:46 AM
Nice find. Is it a Maryland rifle?    I see N. Van Owen Oer.   I never heard of a maker with that name. That is a riddle.
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: Fullstock longrifle on June 11, 2024, 04:44:16 AM
Nice find. Is it a Maryland rifle?    I see N. Van Owen Oer.   I never heard of a maker with that name. That is a riddle.

It does have some Maryland features Mark, but I can’t make out enough of the signature to tell.
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: lexington1 on June 11, 2024, 05:08:06 AM
I hope that you find out. It looks like a nice rifle. I would guess Western Pa?
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: JTR on June 11, 2024, 05:18:00 AM
I'd think W. Pa as well.
For the name, still looking, hoping something will pop up out of there.
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: Avlrc on June 11, 2024, 05:33:26 AM
I hope that you find out. It looks like a nice rifle. I would guess Western Pa?

Yeah, the box & side plate do look WPA.
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: Shreckmeister on June 11, 2024, 05:53:10 AM
Reminds me of Jacob Earnest/Allison and WPA. Did you look through Rick’s book?
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: Avlrc on June 11, 2024, 06:10:41 AM
I looked in Rick's book and could not find a name like/close to that.  Does anyone else think the last name is Van Owen Oer?

Do you wonder if he shortened it up to Oer or Van Owen sometime later?
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: Fullstock longrifle on June 11, 2024, 02:19:43 PM
Reminds me of Jacob Earnest/Allison and WPA. Did you look through Rick’s book?

Yes, I checked it out, couldn’t find anything close unfortunately.
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: Fullstock longrifle on June 11, 2024, 02:21:44 PM
I looked in Rick's book and could not find a name like/close to that.  Does anyone else think the last name is Van Owen Oer?

Do you wonder if he shortened it up to Oer or Van Owen sometime later?

The name is done so light it’s hard to say Mark.
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: homerifle on June 11, 2024, 04:28:38 PM
Nice find Frank! I'm thinking western Pa. also. I like the patchbox engraving and eagle. Interesting signature.
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: Fullstock longrifle on June 11, 2024, 05:27:58 PM
Nice find Frank! I'm thinking western Pa. also. I like the patchbox engraving and eagle. Interesting signature.

Yes, I’m sure it is, the box looks like Allison’s work, but it’s not him.
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: jdm on June 11, 2024, 11:51:50 PM
I'm in the Western Pa. camp also. Icouldn't find any name close.  Perhaps the name of the owner?
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: Fullstock longrifle on June 12, 2024, 12:32:04 AM
I'm in the Western Pa. camp also. Icouldn't find any name close.  Perhaps the name of the owner?

I’ve never seen an owners name on the top flat, but I cleaned the signature some and it’s N Vangivenger.
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: jdm on June 12, 2024, 12:54:19 AM
How about last name Vandevender or Vandevandor  ?
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: Fullstock longrifle on June 12, 2024, 01:48:10 AM
How about last name Vandevender or Vandevandor  ?
(https://i.ibb.co/82Trc9W/IMG-7281.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4M98dp6)

(https://i.ibb.co/rbxn9zY/IMG-7282.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TK4zy76)
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: Avlrc on June 12, 2024, 03:44:39 AM
Here is a Nicholas Vandivender from Western Pa, right time frame.  You might be able to find his occupation in the 1850 census records.

 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8948780/nicholas-vandivender
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: Fullstock longrifle on June 12, 2024, 01:26:23 PM
Here is a Nicholas Vandivender from Western Pa, right time frame.  You might be able to find his occupation in the 1850 census records.

 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8948780/nicholas-vandivender

Thanks Mark, that sure looks close!
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: Shreckmeister on June 12, 2024, 02:15:48 PM
I'm in the Western Pa. camp also. Icouldn't find any name close.  Perhaps the name of the owner?

I’ve never seen an owners name on the top flat, but I cleaned the signature some and it’s N Vangivenger.
   I have seen a handful with owners name but all made by Shreckengost.
Title: Re: Help Identifying Maker
Post by: Fullstock longrifle on June 12, 2024, 09:19:05 PM
I'm in the Western Pa. camp also. Icouldn't find any name close.  Perhaps the name of the owner?

I’ve never seen an owners name on the top flat, but I cleaned the signature some and it’s N Vangivenger.
   I have seen a handful with owners name but all made by Shreckengost.

I’ve actually seen one, but it had the gunsmiths name, then “for” and the owners name after that.