ALR Musuem Gunsmith: B.W. Amsden of Saratoga Springs, N.Y

[Hurricane ( of Virginia)]

An extraordinary double with magnificent engraving. This is the first double in the Museum and indeed one of the finest example of the art of engraving longrifles we have seen.

Here is the link:

http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=5127.0

Please post you comments here as a reply.
Thank you
Hurricane

[sterling22193]

I live in Saratoga Springs, and am curious if anyone has a location for his shop of so long ago - My older brother thinks it may have been on Henry Street, one block East of Broadway, about opposite where the Public Library now stands.  Any input?

[nord]

Corner of Lake Avenue and Hodgman Street... Saratoga Springs, NY

Page 221 ... "The Muzzle-Loading Cap Lock Rifle" by Ned H. Roberts

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Saratoga Springs in the early days was a summer playground for the extremely wealthy. I bet Amsden made a good living!!

[nord]

So it appears to be either where the post office now stands, or the Military Museum.

As to Tim's comment, I doubt the general affluence of the area had too much to do with the rifles Amsden produced. Don't misunderstand... Surrounding him was a population of fairly wealthy people and I'm sure they took advantage of his offerings.

Ned Roberts devoted quite a bit of effort on Amsden. Better you should read about Amsden than me try to expound on a man Roberts knew when he was young.

Addendum:

I stand corrected. Roberts knew of and studied Amsden though did not know him personally. He states that no known photographs exist of the man, but he gives a physical description.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

The historic armory in Saratoga Springs, NY was renovated to house the NY State Museum collection. The building, designed by Isaac Perry and constructed in 1889, is a fine example of armory architecture that was popular in upstate New York in the late 1800’s.

Looks like it would have been where the Fire dept is or where the residence is across Hodgman street..or maybe the residence across Lake Street from that residence

When did Amsden have his shop?  Mid thru late 1800s, right?

What makes you think being surrounded by many of the wealthiest people in the world wouldn't influence his gunmaking?? I am interested to learn what leads you to say that about Amsden.

This would have been the gambling era and the Victorian age of tycoons coming to build their summer cottages for the racing season and to soak in the Springs.

[nord]

Tim,

From my post:

"Don't misunderstand... Surrounding him was a population of fairly wealthy people and I'm sure they took advantage of his offerings."


My understanding from reading about this man is that he was driven toward quality and purpose. His target rifles are still among the most accurate firearms ever produced. Certainly he enjoyed the fact that many in his vicinity could afford his work, but I rather believe he would have done the same kind of work just about anywhere he located.

A very colorful time in US history was his when shooting clubs were popular and contestants traveled great distances to compete against one another.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

I agree. His guns are masterpieces. I am just interested as a social scientist that he was working in the small  economic environment in which many of the wealthiest men in the world came for "sporting" activities.  I am sure it is not pure coincidence that his guns are so accurate. And that is not to demean him or his talent.  I bet he sold Carnegie and Rockefeller and Cabot-Lodge etc many rifles..... The private collections in those old money families might be where many more of his guns could be found.

[Majorjoel]

Kind of a strange twist to the subject but I live in one of the nations top resort destinations with the summer population swelling with the rich and famous from all over. It is an ANTI-GUN town. I have to travel many miles to go to gun shows. Times sure have changed!!

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

Oh yes they have!!