i need some info on J. A. golcher and w. swecer.

[mol42]

my grandfather just gave me a gun that belonged to an ancestor of mine and i am looking for information of the lock maker and gunsmith. the lock is labeled J. A. golcher and the gun was made by w swecer. if anyone has any info on ether of these men it would be appreciated.

[Stan]

You are probably misreading the gunsmiths name. I feel sure that it is W. Sweger!
He worked in Perry co Pa in the mid 19th century.

[Dave B]

Welcome to the forum Mol42,
The Golcher's where in the business of making locks for the gun making industry and sold them to hardware stores all over the place. I believe they had their factory in Lancaster Co. PA  though I am not able to confirm this not being at home to check my book. Others here will correct me if I am wrong. Congratulations on having a piece of your families heritage to pass on to the next generation.

[Loudy]

FYI... One of gunsmith William "Billy" Sweger's ancestors has put together a very nice website.  Photos of original rifles can be found here for comparison. 

http://www.swegerarms.com/sweger_arms_history.htm

Mark Loudenslager

[Sweger arms]

Hello this is Derek p Sweger I just got into the 21st century.  I found this post about me. Hope fully you see that I responded. If you do have 1of his rifles I would like to see it

[Shreckmeister]

Derek,  I enjoyed your writeup on Billy.  Thanks for sharing it.  His story is similar to Wm. Shreckengost.
They worked in the same time period and both for 50 years plus.  I am curious if you have done any metal
detecting at the shop location.  You might find something interesting there. 

[Sweger arms]

No I have not but think about doing that. Its only been since I was around 14 years old and know I am 38 should do it some day. Go up there and do some metal detecting.