ALR Museum Gunsmith: Andreas Fitchthorn, Jr of Berks Co, PA (2nd gun )

[Hurricane ( of Virginia)]

Andreas Fichthorn (Fitchthorn) , Jr  His Second gun on exhibition with an extraordinary discussion of interesting and unique  details that identify his work. His relationship to other Berks Co gunsmiths as well as dates of production are presented.

Here is the URL:

         http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?board=71

Please add your comments and facts as a reply here.
Hurricane

[VP]

I hope a question is appropriate in this section but is the screw in the rear finial of the trigger guard original? Is that something Fitchthorn did. Secondly is the lock sideplate panel design another Fitchthorn characteristic? Thanks

Van

[HIB]

Van,  The side plate on this Fichthorn Jr. rifle is a Bonewitz/Womelsdorf signature characteristic. Bonewitz used it on rifles as early as 1780 and maybe a few years before that. He taught his apprenticies the design as well and this example is at least 20 years later than its first use by Bonewitz. The side plate design is similar to what we see on early Reading rifles but is different enough to be unique to the Bonewitz/Womelsdorf school.   Regards,  HIB

[HIB]

Van,  Sorry I missed your question re: screw in back end of the trigger guard. This was not his usual method of fastening the guard to the stock. The trigger guard, however, is another signature characteristic of the Bonewitz/Womelsdorf school. Look closely and you will see three 1/2 octogon raised platforms on the guard. This raised platform is usually found on the rear ramrod extension as well. I do not know if the screw is original to the gun or not.

There are a number of other Bonewitz/Womelsdorf signature characteristic that appear on the gun. When this gun hits the museum they most likely will be covered. If not, feel free to contact me with your questions.  Regards,   HIB

[mr. no gold]

The screw holding the rear triggerguard extension appears to be correct to this gun. Reason: there is no pin or pin hole showing in the wood where the t'guard lug would be located. AF apparently decided to short cut the process by using a screw. Check photos.
Early Berks makers seemed to use screws somewhat routinely, but changed to pins at some point in time, (like that pun?).
Dick

[VP]

I see the most of the attributes you mention except for the three half octagons on the trigger guard. Is it on the forward section of the arch around the trigger where it isn't easily seen? I didn't notice the rear ramrod pipe until you mentioned it but it is rather appealing. The AF was hard to see until I zoomed in on the pictures. Thanks again for the discussions with the guns. It always helps.

Van