Alexander Walker rifle circa 1780

[Dennis Glazener]

I recently bought the book "Rockbridge County Artists & Artisans" by Barbara Crawford and Royster Lyle Jr. (actually bought a second copy, forgot I had one, oh the joys of old age!) The book has a chapter on Rifles and there are photos of a really nice looking rifle by Alexander Walker who was associated with John Davidson. They both were in the Timber Ridge -South River neighborhood of Rockbridge County VA.

I would love to see other rifles by Alexander Walker or possibly by others of the same family. Does anyone know where I might find more photos of this man's work?
Dennis

[MGillman]

Does the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts have any in their artisan files in the research library?

[Dennis Glazener]

Does the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts have any in their artisan files in the research library?

A few years back I was fortunate enough to receive a tour of MESDA's collection (including those not on display) of rifles and I do not remember seeing anything about this maker. I have (somewhere in my files) an inventory of their NC rifles but no Virginia makers were included.

Dennis

[Curt Lyles]

Dennis   I think that rifle of A Walkers shows up at the CLA show regulary .Curt

[MGillman]

Does the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts have any in their artisan files in the research library?

A few years back I was fortunate enough to receive a tour of MESDA's collection (including those not on display) of rifles and I do not remember seeing anything about this maker. I have (somewhere in my files) an inventory of their NC rifles but no Virginia makers were included.

Dennis

In the research library, there are a lot of filing cabinets with makers by order. Most of what are in these files the museum has never owned the objects, but were allowed to photograph the items. There are a few Honaker rifles in the files but MESDA doesn't own a Honaker or have one in the storage downstairs either. I was fortunate enough to also view the rifles not on display. I think Kim Mays is over the library, I'll see if I can find her email.

[rich pierce]

Have to check. Thought there is one in volume 2 of RCA.

[Mike Brooks]

Have to check. Thought there is one in volume 2 of RCA.

yes there is. Early one too.

[Dennis Glazener]

Just looked at it, #130 in RCA II and that is the same rifle that's in my book. Good to see the tang carving, my book does not show the tang. Just noticed that the butt is 2" wide, that's much wider than I expected.

43 1/16" X 47 caliber and has a 1 3/32" breech. Stock is cherry. Looks like an English lock with single trigger.

Good looking rifle.
Dennis

[Mike Brooks]

Just looked at it, #130 in RCA II and that is the same rifle that's in my book. Good to see the tang carving, my book does not show the tang. Just noticed that the butt is 2" wide, that's much wider than I expected.

43 1/16" X 47 caliber and has a 1 3/32" breech. Stock is cherry. Looks like an English lock with single trigger.

Good looking rifle.
Dennis

Yep, fairly early. I'd put it in the 1780's. I've never seen it in person, but I'll bet it's a big gun in hand.

[alyce-james]

Thanks Dennis; RCA II, #130 on page # 560 helped me find the information quickly. I like the time period (1760-80,s) and the A. Walker style rifle. Have a great week end. AJ.