California muzzleloaders similarities

[Hungry Horse]

 This is something that has bothered me for some time. Lately a triple barreled rifle surfaced in Mendocino County Calif. made by L.C. Kersey of Red Bluff Calif. The stock architecture is identical to rifles made by Charles Slotterbeck of Lakeport Calif. and Benjamin Bigelow of Marysville Calif. Both Kersey and Bigelow worked for Billinghurst in New York, before moving to California. I have not heard of Slotterbeck previous employment with Billinghurst, but it is possible. Slotterbeck and Kersey both work for a time in San Francisco, and were associated with Clabrough and bros. of that city. Clabrough was known for fine double barreled shotguns, and combination guns.
 Does it not seem possible that these multi- barreled muzzleloaders, many with telescopic sights, sold in California in the late 1800's had their roots in either Billinghursts shop in New York, or Clabrough's shop in San Francisco?

                   Hungry Horse

[Kermit]

Most folks don't know about California builders. A pretty interesting style developed there, with a lot of German smiths. I really like the California section of "The American Percussion Schuetzen Rifle" by Hamilton & Rowe. Got any photos of the guns you're talking about?

[Hungry Horse]

 The best source of pictures of these very late muzzleloaders from California is Larry Shelton's book on California gunsmiths. The three barreled Kersey is a new discovery, and not listed in the book, but, is in the latest Muzzle Blasts, along with another article featuring multi-barreled muzzleloaders. R.L. Wilson's book Peacemakers has a very nice picture of Benjamin Bigelow's work.

                Hungry Horse

[eddillon]

The book is titled:  California Gunsmiths 1846-1900 by Larry Shelton.  Great reference and well written book.

[Hungry Horse]

 Thanks Ed. I knew one of you smart guys would have the complete title. Larry did a lot of research in Northern California, and it shows. His book is the go to source for California gunsmith information.

                     Hungry Horse

[realtorone]

I sold a 12x12x40 attributed to Slotterbeck at the Norris Tenn show two years ago.Beautiful gun two ramrods walnut stock  the only thing I didn't care for was the cap box opened front to rear not rear to front
George

[Hungry Horse]

George;

  I have lived in Lake County California for nearly all of my 63 years. I have had the good fortune to have seen, and handled, many of Charlie's fine rifles, and not a few of those made by other members of his family, But, I have never seen a Slotterbeck drilling. I was told years ago that one was for sale at Friendship, that was a 16x16x38. I have never seen a Slotterbeck with a capbox either. Although I own a rifle with another makers name on the barrel that legend states was made in Charlie's shop. Was the capbox by any chance a commercial iron box, with two screw mounting? This rifle has such a box, mounted reverse as you indicate.

                Hungry Horse

             

[realtorone]

Hungry Horse ;I'm not sure I have any pictures of the box.I do have pictures of the barrels and forearmand action I'll just have to look.The piece was not marked but the tag on it when I purchased said Slodderbuck Phili Pa attributed maker.I may still have the tag,not sure.I purchased the gun at the Louisville Ky.Feb 2007 or 2008 Show.I'll let you know what I still have.
George

[Hungry Horse]

George;

  At least you have answered one of my questions. I always pondered over where, and when, Charles Slotterbeck began making multi-barrel rifles. I thought he didn't start making them until he relocated to California. Obviously i was wrong. I know at least one of his brothers worked for Henry Deringer, but don't know where Charles worked.

                    Hungry Horse