antique locks Info

[blaksmth]

 An elderly woman gave me three percussion locks i would like some info on if you can offer any help

1. R Hyslop   New York ( foreward action) engraved plate & hammer

2. J.G. Stutsman Dayton  Ohio (foreward Action) with Fly, Engraved Plate & hammer has what looks to be 2 quail on rear of lock

3. J . Douerty Back action with fly.

 All 3 locks are in good condition and working order, I am hoping to put them on rifles but not sure of the rifle type, I am assuming full stocks,
 but not sure

I was very happy to get such a gift from this woman.

[JCKelly]

Frank Seller's book says R Hyslop New York, New York 1825 - 1850. As Smith & Hyslop 1825 - 1830. Percussion half stock.

Sellers has no mention of Douerty. He does mention Stutsman, information from Hutslar's book(s) on the Ohio long rifle.

Hyslop not in Swinney's book.

[blaksmth]

Thank you Mr Kelly!

[JCKelly]

You're welcome, but it pays to ask someone who actually knows NY guns.
So I did, and Bob Naum, one of two living NY rifle guys, said this:

HYSLOH & SON, ROBERT

NYC 1834

Robert Hysloh was a merchant from 1794 on, and seems to have dealt in gun materials among other things. Locks stamped “R. Hysloh New York” are not uncommon. He was partner in the firm of Irving, Smith & Hysloh in the late 18-teens. They are not listed among those burnt out by C. Foster in An Account of the Great Conflagration (N.Y., n d) though 6 Exchange. In 1834 the firm becomes Robert Hysloh & Son: Hysloh & Son Robert, merchants 6 Hanover h. 55 Beach Hysloh William I 6 Hanover h. 55 Beach 1835 merchants 6 Exchange-plh. 55 Beach Wm. I 6 Exchange-pl h 55 Beach 1836 Hysloh & son Robert mers. 220 Pearl h. 55 Beach Hysloh William I 220 Pearl h. 103 East Broadway 1837.
 
Someone mixed up p and h

Me, I write on Michigan Gunsmiths. In 1860 about 40% of our smiths had come from New York state, so it behooves me to know something about NY guys.

[JCKelly]

P.S. - Not only is Mr. Naum knowledgable about New York rifles, he can actually read. Apparantly I cannot, as he reminded me the previous Hysloh information was indeed in Swinney, in Volume 5, New York City. Along with some additional information.

If you are interested in 19th Century American percussion rifles I recommend you get ahold of H.J. Swinney's 5 volume set on The New York State Firearms Trade.  There is nothing like it published, except perhaps the Ohio guys' set on Ohio Longrifles. Indeed, for percussion rifles the only thing at all printed before Swinney was Ned Roberts Muzzle Loading Caplock Rifle. The New York guys had fine caplocks becau$e NY had $$money$$ and target shooters went for bid ca$h prize$. Thnk the Erie canal and railroads helped. Weren't called The Empire State for nuthin', back then.

Me, I write Michigan Gunsmiths because no one else has chosen to do so. As an ex-Pat Pennsylvanian I got my Michigan Civics lesson digging through old records to write this book.

[eddillon]

I  have some sets available.  $365.00 plus S&H.  Check here:

http://www.neconos.com/detailsneat.htm   Click on the blue pill to go to shopping cart.  Not the blue pill you are thinking of!  

[blaksmth]

Thanks to both of you on the information, perhaps i will put a bug in my better half,s ear on what to get me for Christmas.

[smokinbuck]

blaksmth,
I have a listing for J.G. Stutsman, 1819 - ?, the J.G. stands for Jonathan Grove. Besides being a gun maker he was a gas fitter. Do not have pictures but there was at least one fullstock percussion rifle marked with his name, on the barrel and lock, and the barrel was marked "Wilt" who was a barrel maker in Dayton. Hope this helps you a little.
Mark