Daniel Boyer ?

[jdm]

Hello everyone,I am new to the forum but  have collected Kentucky's for a number of years.  In 2000 I acquired a nice  full panel flint swivel signed D. Boyer on both barrels.  There is a limited amount of information on him. He worked in Orwigsburg ,Schuykill Co. Pennsylvania. before 1817 then moved to Medina Ohio. Does anyone have more information on him. Who he apprenticed to? How early did he start?     Thanks  Jim

[smshea]

There is some info in the brown KRA book. Articles by Ron Gabel and Tim Lubineski, they have done a good bit of research on D.Boyer. Greg Dixon @ Dixon's Muzzleloading Gun Shop would be another good source of info.
 I'm no expert on his history other than he did work in the Orwigsburg area and was very prolific. There is a good bit of his work floating around these parts and I have handled quite a few . He seems to have had some connection with A. Angstadt or at least that has been the speculation by smarter folks than I. He also seems to have Built a good number of what we in these parts call a Schimmel. A Schimmel in its true sense ,meaning no butt plate, strap brass guard, no entry pipe pipe etc. His fancier rifles tend to have boxes with no engraving and limited or no carving, although I have handled at least one that was carved.   

[jdm]

Thank's Scott. This rifle is  early 1810 or so. I have seen some info on David Boyer, his work looks later . Is this a father son relationship?

[Hurricane ( of Virginia)]

There is an Alan(?) Boyer, was recently known to be well< who was looking for a Boyer rifle. I believe he was a "relative". At any rate, I do not know him personally ( any longer) and he is not listed in the KRA Directory. He is from PA and thus some other viewer might know him and get you guys connected.

We of the Museum Committee, in addition, would like to invite you to send photos of your "Boyer" for the Museum ( see below) or post them here. That
way others can learn and enjoy and , perhaps, add to your quest.
Thank you.
Hurricane and The Museum Committee

[jdm]

   Thanks,  I will send some pictures.   
                                                              JIM

[SPG]

Jim,

I have a flint D. Boyer match rifle. It's .48, 16 lbs. and has not been altered. Hand-made barrel with a perfect bore and it is a barn-burner. Very plain wood, no carving, no patch box...just a "get their money" gun. What is really nice...the gun still has it's original touch hole...no liner and not burned out. First match I took it to, it smashed a spider for the first shot, which was the fourth shot I fired out of the rifle. I've used it in three matches so far, and it has won them all.

General consensus, including Don King, is that the rifle is about 1820 vintage, but I think the barrel is earlier. The barrel does not show signs of being re-stocked or re-cut, so I don't know. Early-style wide lands and narrow grooves which did not excite me until I shot it. The rifle has been fit with an early-style long strap rear peep sight which is missing. The barrel is relieved for about an inch at the muzzle, about six-inches of choke and then a slow taper to the breech. Whoever did this knew what they were about.

Let me study on how to do photos and I'll see if I can post some...

Steve Garbe

[jdm]

Steve,  I sent a few pictures of my Boyer to Hurricane I think he may post them . I haven't figured that part out yet.   Would like to see pictures of your rifle.  Is it signed in script or stamped on the barrel?   JIM

[SPG]

Jim,

It is stamped on the top flat "D. Boyer" at an angle, right in front of the breech plug. No other marks on the gun other than the lock is marked-"Henry Parker, Warranted". Barrel is 1 3/8" by 39".

Steve

[Hurricane ( of Virginia)]

The "Boyer" will show up in the Museum very soon. A spectacular gun. Some technical difficulties with "photbucket ' and our massive account ( thank you for all the great photos ). It should be fixed soon.
Hurricane