New York Double rifle

[leatherman]

Here is another rifle I traded a Stevens Single shot .22 rifle for (even up) at a shotgun event I was attending this year. Paid $400 for the Stevens. The guy had gotten it at a sale in Raleigh NC but really wanted my Stevens which I had on my table for sale for $600. The barrel is signed John Howe , Johnsonville, NY.  The barrels are 28 gauge smooth and .36 rifled. The gun looks like it was only used a couple of times as there is no corrosion or pitting around the nipples and the bore is brite like new. Again I have not been able to find anything on John Howe. I am keeping this one to hunt with if I ever get the time. The barrels are 33" long and not too heavy making the rifle easy to hold and the sights are really fine the way I like them for small game. Think I made a good trade?

[Trkdriver99]

I got a single shot Winchester I'll trade you for it.

Ronnie

[Dphariss]

Very nice. 

Dan

[Curt J]

A real nice rifle in pristine condition, by a well known maker.  You did good!

[leatherman]

A real nice rifle in pristine condition, by a well known maker.  You did good!

Do you know anything about John Howe. And what book he may be listed in?

[Curt J]

Information on John Howe can be found in THE NEW YORK STATE FIREARMS TRADE, Vol. 2, by H J Swinney/Tom Rowe, on pages 810 through 812.  He is listed in St. Johnsville, New York (are you sure your's is marked Johnsonville?), from 1859 through 1874, but probably also earlier and later.  He is listed in numerous directories of the period, but census information in him was not found, for one reason or another, so biographical information is pretty much a mystery at this point. There are two side-by-side combination guns by John Howe, similar to your's, pictured in the book. Both are of high quality and in nice condition, but your's appears better than either of them. Both of those guns are stamped St. Johnsville.

[leatherman]

Thanks and I am ashamed to say I gave the wrong information on the towns name. You are correct with the St. Johnsville . I was going with my not so good memory. Any suggestions on where I can get this book? Thanks again for your information. This forum is great.

[JTR]

I agree with all the others, nice gun! That was a good trade!
As for the book, a simple Google search of the title and/or author will likely find one, if one is available.
John

[Curt J]

The New York book is part of a five volume set.  They are each about 1 1/2" thick, and are among the finest gun books you will ever see, including the photography. They are also quite expensive, at $450 for the set. I don't think you can buy individual volumes, but I could be mistaken. I bought mine directly from Tom Rowe, several years ago. I don't think I have any current contact information for him, but will see if I do.

[Blacksmoke]

Leatherman:  Good trade!   You got the better end of the deal!

[greybeard]

Now thats a real pretty gun