Estimating date on Bill Large barrels

[mountainman70]

Hi y'all;I am trying to determine the aprox age of a Bill Large barrel on a hawken rifle I am interested in.I knew Bill back in the late 70's,but couldnt afford one of his finest then,now they are even harder to find.
 The stamp is W.M. Large,in a half circle.I believe he added the 4j's in the last years of production.Any one have the real skinny on this?
He was a fine ol Hivernan,and a good man too.Been missing him long time.Thanks,Dave

[smylee grouch]

I bought two of Bills barrels in the early 70s (72-73) and they had the four Js under his semi-circle stamp then.    Gary

[mountainman70]

Thanks,Gary.This should be interesting.Dave

[dannylj]

I have a 1" .54 marked W.M. LARGE with 4 Js under that (no circle) and an L under that. I have a 15/16 .50 that is simply stamped W.M. LARGE. The M. actually looks like an A on the second barrel. I believe I ordered both barrels in 1979. He was a very interesting gentleman to talk on the phone with but oppinionated on what he thought I needed. Great barrels.  Danny

[smylee grouch]

Bill was a character for shure, he knew his stuff and was aheck of a shot too. I used to talk to him on the phone alot but never met him in person. He invited me down to shoot some hog matches and to my loss, I never could make it. Great guy and one of the original 33 shooters that started the NMLRA back in '34 I think.      Gary

[mountainman70]

A visit to his shop was a religious experience,with machines running,and the Master Hisself holding court,'specially with us Pilgrims.Was my good fortune,as well as the men I know here in the Charleston area.All fine folks.

[Shovelbuck]

The Bill Large pistol barrel I have has just an L4 on it. I know the gun was built in 1982.

[SCLoyalist]

40 cal barrel,   W.M. Large (in an arc)
                              J.J.J.J
                                  L
          is on a barrel with gunmaker's name and '78 engraved on the top flat.

[Jim Chambers]

I don't think the way Bill signed his barrels has anything to do with the date they were made.  I have one I ordered in the late 1960"s that has "WM Large JJJJ".  I have seen others with just his name, some with all four girl's names spelled out, and others with various sayings.

[Mike Brooks]

I built a chunk gun with a .40 X 1 1/4 X 52" Bill large barrel that was stamped  by Bill "Old Maid's Dream".......

[Eric Krewson]

The Bob Roller lock on this gun has "72" stamped on the inside of the lock plate which I assume is the date it was made. Maybe this barrel is from 1972.

[California Kid]

This one is about 1970, if I remember right! HA!

[mountainman70]

This one looks like the one I am considering.how much have you shot it,and how's it holding up for its age?Thanks,Dave

[California Kid]

It hasn't been shot that much so its like a new barrel inside.

[Gun Butcher]

Kid, mine looks just like yours. Out from the name it is also stamped "JD Tagney "
On the other side it has "Lyford, Parke County, Indiana.......0002". It is a .36 cal
Ron

[kentucky bucky]

Mine has Wm. Large in a arch over the date (1972).

[mountainman70]

Well,now that I've stirred y'all up here,and this Is fun,anyone have a 1" 50cal on up,35 to44 inch WM Large round ball barrel that you are willing to part with?I have a TOW fullstock flint Hawken stock and parts,but no barrel.BTW,what gives with the shortage of m/l barrels?Thanks,Dave

[Ben Gorey]

My 1965 barrel has only W.M.Large in  an arc.

[mountainman70]

Thanks guys.It seems that 1970 back is wmlarge in arc,and afterward,the 4J's show up.I appreciate you all.Dave

[Shovelbuck]

I picked up another of Bill's pistol barrels last Saturday, and it's markings are   . L .