Another nice rifle at auction

[gibster]

Other than a bid that didn't meet the reserve, I have no connection to this rifle.  Looks to be a very nice piece and wondered what your thoughts on it are.  Signed G W M.  Any idea who he was and where he worked?
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=216757401

[loco219]

I saw that gun, I think its the same shop that sold the Gonter attributed rifle a few weeks ago. If you read the text this gun is consigned also. It looks like someone is liquidating a longrifle collection one at a time, using that gunshop as their agent. Its smart to do one every few weeks, I have learned over the years that savvy dealers only put one gem on the shelf at a time. I would love to know who the maker is also, someone here will know.

[Loudy]

Very nice rifle!  I believe it may have been made by William G. Miller from Danville, Montour County, PA.  Below is the biographical information that I have on this gunsmith.  The rifle possesses many features typical of the Upper Susquehanna school.   Mark Loudenslager


William G. Miller
Born: abt. 1809, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Died: 1882, Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania

Kauffman identified William Miller as a gunsmith in Danville, Montour County, circa 1861. 

William Miller was the son of gunsmith George Miller.  William learned the gunsmith trade from his father and inherited the shop and business and followed the occupation for the whole of his life. 

William Miller married Martha Walker daughter of Robert Walker.  Martha Walker was born in County Derry, Ireland.  Children were Sarah E., Robert C., William H., Joseph W., Elias Schwartz, Mary Jane, Luther, James S., Maria B., Martha A., Isabella B., and Emma.

1850 Federal Census, Pennsylvania, Montour County, Borough of Danville, p. 325.
William G. Miller, age 39, occupation “Gunsmith”, born PA; Martha, age 34; Sarah, age 15; Robert G., age 14; Wm. H., age 12; Joseph, age 10; Len M., age 8; Elias S., age 6; Mary J., age 3; James Guyer, age 18, occupation “Gunsmith”. 

1860 Federal Census, Pennsylvania, Montour County, Danville, N. Ward, p. 176.
William Miller, age 49, occupation “Gunsmith”, born PA; Martha, age 44; William, age 21; Elias, age 16; Mary, age 13; James, age 9; Maria, age 7; Alice, age 4; Emma, age 2.

1880 Federal Census, Pennsylvania, Montour County, Mahoning Township, District 193.
William G. Miller, age 70, occupation “Gun Smith”, b.PA; Martha, age 64; Swartz, age 35, “Son”; Henry Lammers, age 26, “Son in Law”, Alice M. Lammers, age 24, “Daughter”; Eva S. Lammers, age 9 months.       

[Hurricane ( of Virginia)]

It is indeed "William G Miller" There are two other of his guns in the Museum.

Here is the URL:

http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?board=338.0

Hurricane

[Shreckmeister]

The value jumped 33% on this one in one day with 7 days left in the
auction.  Looks like this  one is heating up.  It has alot of nice features.
I'm anxious to see where it ends up.  Haven't seen this maker before.

[Ben I. Voss]

Neat rifle! Can definitely see that it was made by a confident and accomplished maker. Also note that the rear sight was thinned by drilling a hole in front of the leaf.

[trimegistus]

I noticed the patchbox hatch release button is right in the middle of the butt plate and unless its the angle, does not seem to be flush with the buttplate.  I would imagine this to be not very comfortable during shooting.  I am new to these longrifles, was this common? Its the first I have seen like this, usually it seems they are flush mounted or on the stock on the patchbox side plate. 

[greybeard]

My old eyes tell me that the barrel must be attached to the stock with the "Bllind Hook" system as I can see no pins in the wood or the escutions???   Bob

[Dennis Glazener]

My old eyes tell me that the barrel must be attached to the stock with the "Bllind Hook" system as I can see no pins in the wood or the escutions???   Bob

Looks that way but unless the tang photo gives an illusion I don't think it is. The tang looks wider in the back and how could you pull the barrel forward to release the "hooks".
Dennis

[JTR]

David in CA,
The patch box release in the butt plate is very common. Most seem to be a little closer to the patchbox side of the butt. And most have an elongated head on them, but ones like this are very common as well.
I doubt you'd even feel it shooting the gun.

John

PS; $2900 right now,,, still cheap!

[trimegistus]

Thanks for replying JTR, yea i suppose between clothing and the "heat of the moment" you wouldnt feel it.