Melchior Fordney

[Niall Sadler]

I am building building 2 Melchoir Fordney rifles and have very few pictures in my books of how he engraved and carved his guns. I have enough pictures of the stock work but have few pictures of his original work on butt plates, tang carving, toe plates and forestock carving. Does anybody out there have any pictures of his original work showing these details?? I would appreciate it if they could either post them or send to my email address (nhs@abnet.ca). Thanks Niall Sadler

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Niall, it's good to see you here.  There is much to be gained here, and you have much to offer. For the info of fellow members, Niall has made some very nice longrifles, and also hails from "The Great White North".

[ptk1126]

Welcome Niall

Apart from the Kindig, Long Rifles of Note, etc, I have seen few photos with the details you asked for.

In Lindsay’s “The Kentucky Rifle”, page 8,  there is a picture of the engraving on the butt plate return.

An article in Muzzle Blasts, Dec 1966 shows a few details of the carving around the lock panel and the lower forearm.

Two rifles are pictured in “Kentucky Rifles & Pistols 1750-1850” but lack details.

Perhaps the best details I have seen are in Whisker’s  “Behold the Longrifle” (details of toe plate and trigger guard engraving), and “Behold the Longrifle Again” (very fancy toe plate, forearm incised lines and tang).

The KRA’s “Kentucky Rifle Photographs Volume I, Issue I” has the same Fordney rifle as in Lindsay’s book. The nice part here is that you can magnify the pix w/o losing detail so you could pick up some of the details you want.

All the best
Paul

[Niall Sadler]

Welcome Niall

Apart from the Kindig, Long Rifles of Note, etc, I have seen few photos with the details you asked for.

In Lindsay’s “The Kentucky Rifle”, page 8,  there is a picture of the engraving on the butt plate return.

An article in Muzzle Blasts, Dec 1966 shows a few details of the carving around the lock panel and the lower forearm.

Two rifles are pictured in “Kentucky Rifles & Pistols 1750-1850” but lack details.

Perhaps the best details I have seen are in Whisker’s  “Behold the Longrifle” (details of toe plate and trigger guard engraving), and “Behold the Longrifle Again” (very fancy toe plate, forearm incised lines and tang).

The KRA’s “Kentucky Rifle Photographs Volume I, Issue I” has the same Fordney rifle as in Lindsay’s book. The nice part here is that you can magnify the pix w/o losing detail so you could pick up some of the details you want.

All the best
Paul

Thanks Paul I will look up those pictures to ensure that I have seen them. I have most of references. Cheers NIall

Welcome Niall

Apart from the Kindig, Long Rifles of Note, etc, I have seen few photos with the details you asked for.

In Lindsay’s “The Kentucky Rifle”, page 8,  there is a picture of the engraving on the butt plate return.

An article in Muzzle Blasts, Dec 1966 shows a few details of the carving around the lock panel and the lower forearm.

Two rifles are pictured in “Kentucky Rifles & Pistols 1750-1850” but lack details.

Perhaps the best details I have seen are in Whisker’s  “Behold the Longrifle” (details of toe plate and trigger guard engraving), and “Behold the Longrifle Again” (very fancy toe plate, forearm incised lines and tang).

The KRA’s “Kentucky Rifle Photographs Volume I, Issue I” has the same Fordney rifle as in Lindsay’s book. The nice part here is that you can magnify the pix w/o losing detail so you could pick up some of the details you want.

All the best
Paul

[Larry Luck]

Niall,
Please check your email.
Larry Luck

[Acer Saccharum]

Yet ANOTHER Canadian? Oh, my. Because of the recent increase in Canadian memberships, I propose we re-name this site "Canadian Longrifles", CLR, for short.

All kidding aside, Niall, welcome aboard.

I don't know what your resources are, but consdier joining the Kentucky Longrifle Association(KRA), for at the yearly meetings, you may actually study original Fordneys.

Acer

[Niall Sadler]

Thanks for the information Acer. Yeah, I am another Canuck.  I have been thinking about joining the an organization like the CLA or the KRA but I live rather far away to be able to casually go to either of there annual Meetings. I sent Larry Luck couple pictures of my work.  I would gladly send them to you if you are interested but I don't know your e-mail address. Cheers Niall 
 .

[jimrbto]

There are some good photos of his work in "Thoughts On The Kentucky Rifle In Its Golden Age".  Good examples of all his stock work and engraving, complete rifles.
Jim

[Niall Sadler]

Thanks Jim, I have the book and am using it. Cheers Niall