George M. Haver "Contemporary" Longrifle

[Sequatchie Rifle]

This rifle may be an early contemporary gun by George M. Haver, who passed away in 1967. He learned to make rifles from Uriah Fisher [1890-1937] of Rice's Landing in Greene County, PA. Haver was in Rice's Landing until 1944 when he moved to Pittsburgh, PA where he continued to make rifles. He signed his guns "G M H" similar to what is on this rifle. The faint engraved signature nearer the breech suggests he recycled an earlier barrel for this rifle, and perhaps a couple other parts. This would explain the "western PA" feel to the rifle in the National Road finial and slender guard with extended "V" on the back of the outer bow surface...and some of the not-quite-standard details on the rifle. Haver was written up in "Muzzle Blasts" back in December of 1941. (Above input was provided by Shelbey G.)

Barrel is 38 inches. It’s a .40 cal and shows some of the original signature. It has a very nice Patchbox and an overall “nice look” to it.

[dogbest]

Nice gun!

[rich pierce]

The cheekpiece inlay looks northeastern but the rest looks western PA to Ohio.

[Sequatchie Rifle]

Thank you!

[Dennis Glazener]

Western MD or Western MD would be my guess.
Dennis

[Cades Cove Fiddler]

  ... It ain't from Unicoi County, Bill,... but does have great lookin' triggers... !!! ... hope to see you again soon,... CCF...

[Tanselman]

This rifle may be an early contemporary gun by George M. Haver. He learned to make rifles from Uriah Fisher [1890-1937] of Rice's Landing in Greene County, PA. Haver was in Rice's Landing until 1944 when he moved to Pittsburgh, PA where he continued to make rifles. He signed his guns "G M H" similar to what is on this rifle. The faint engraved signature nearer the breech suggests he recycled an earlier barrel for this rifle, and perhaps a couple other parts. This would explain the "western PA" feel to the rifle in the National Road finial and slender guard with extended "V" on the back of the outer bow surface...and some of the not-quite-standard details on the rifle. Haver was written up in "Muzzle Blasts" back in December of 1941.  Shelby Gallien

[Sequatchie Rifle]

Thank you for the information. I think you pointed out a few interesting features with respect to recycled parts. That would explain the exceptional good condition of the stock and the lock.

[WESTbury]

It's a great looking rifle and at 70+ years it's approaching the age of an antique, just like yours truly .

Thanks for sharing the photos.

[Sequatchie Rifle]

Mr. Haver's Obituary:
Somerset Daily American page 1 27 November 1967, Wednesday, George M Haver, prominent Somerset banker who retired October 31, 1967 as Executive Vice President of County Trust Co, died November 25 in Somerset Community Hospital. Retired only 25 days, aged 70 years, he was in banking more than 46 years. He started at Rices Landing National Bank in the early 1920s as a cashier, came to Somerset in 1948 from Union National Bank of Carnegie. Veteran of World War I. Taught in public schools in Greene Co. Resided at 356 W Church St, Somerset. Born January 20, 1897 in Jefferson, the son of the late John C & Laura Keighley Haver. He is survived by his wife, Fannie Thompson; children, Dr Paul M Haver of Leetsdale, Robert L Haver of Carnegie, Doris wife of James C Cunningham of Lock Haven, William C Haver of Waynesburg, Homer L Haver of Carmichaels; 11 grandchildren. Preceded in death by brother John. Member and Elder of St Paul's Presbyterian Church, Somerset, and Waynesburg F&AM #153, Somerset Rotary Club and National Rifle Association. Hobbies include gun collecting and gun smithing. Treasurer of the Salvation army service unit. Richard E Hauger Funeral Home, services Tuesday at 2 p.m. officiated by Rev Jay Alvin Stuart. Burial in Somerset Co Memorial Park.

He was 77 years old at the time of his death.