AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Antique Gun Collecting => Topic started by: Kittleson on March 19, 2019, 11:07:03 PM

Title: Requesting Help I.D. Maker
Post by: Kittleson on March 19, 2019, 11:07:03 PM
Having just begun collecting long rifles and being new to ALR, I would like to request the expertise from ALR members in identifying one of my unsigned rifles.  The only markings are on the lock - "W. S. Fletcher/Warranted."  With limited access to research materials, I've identified the lock maker William S. Fletcher, Glouchester, England, to his tax records 1841-1844.  In addition, based on the patch box, and butt plate, I'm guessing the maker might be Joseph Graham.  Tax records show Graham worked as a gunsmith in Freedom Borough, Beaver County, PA in 1841, 1842, 1852, and 1854. The rifle measures 53.25" overall with a 37.50" full octagon barrel.  Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks in advance,
Kittleson
(https://i.ibb.co/GCFrTZy/Full-Size-Render-17.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dk7HgNF)

(https://i.ibb.co/swf9mqw/IMG-0334.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0M7yDrM)

(https://i.ibb.co/sqr75rP/Full-Size-Render-13.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZxC9HCJ)

(https://i.ibb.co/SvWMhSV/IMG-0335.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZTtFn9c)

(https://i.ibb.co/D8vWCMc/Full-Size-Render-5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8dfs5xv)

(https://i.ibb.co/ckBXv7X/Full-Size-Render-7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MZv5h35)

(https://i.ibb.co/6bsj9C6/Full-Size-Render-16.jpg) (https://ibb.co/FJ7RZTG)

(https://i.ibb.co/GnZNX9P/Full-Size-Render-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/q7HVzC1)

(https://i.ibb.co/XpCKdbs/IMG-2023.jpg) (https://ibb.co/d65V3r2)

(https://i.ibb.co/Tkjy3Vd/IMG-2035.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7XMhmwL)

(https://i.ibb.co/54Hwmnk/IMG-2036.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bm9DT2F)
Title: Re: Requesting Help I.D. Maker
Post by: Shreckmeister on March 19, 2019, 11:54:08 PM
Looks Pittsburgh or Ohio.  It won't be easy to ID.  I think that patchbox was sold commercially.
Title: Re: Requesting Help I.D. Maker
Post by: Shreckmeister on March 19, 2019, 11:55:03 PM
Several of my triggerguards exactly like that one were purchased in Pittsburgh, most likely from Whitmore Wolff Duff & Co.
Nice condition. 
Title: Re: Requesting Help I.D. Maker
Post by: Kittleson on March 20, 2019, 12:15:18 AM
Thanks for your input.  I was leaning toward western PA, specifically Allegheny County, by its architecture, but being a newbie, I wasn't sure if it might be outside PA which I'm not familiar with.  Once again, I really appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to look her over.
Title: Re: Requesting Help I.D. Maker
Post by: Shreckmeister on March 20, 2019, 02:06:18 AM
Beautiful curl. It’s a nice rifle