rifle mfg date

[patsublett]

I have a rifle marked Lee Cassle, Celina Ohio. Is anyone familiar with this gunsmith and can anyone approximate the manufacture date?

[Avlrc]

Lee Cassel 1858-1929. Van Wert & Celina
1878-1883 Joseph Cassel & Son,Gunsmith & Sporting Goods, Van Wert Directories.
1880 Lee Cassel 21, Gunsmith Born in Ohio,in the household of his parents Joesph & Harriet Cassel. Van Wert. (1880 census).
1883,1888,1890,1896. Lee Cassel, Gunsmith Celenia, Mercer County Directories.
His father Joseph Cassel 1832-1897.
In 1850 census Joesph was listed as a Gunsmith, living the house with Gunsmith Jonathan Gump,Mansfield, Madison Township.
 
Page 63 of  "Ohio Gunsmiths & Allied Tradesmen Volume V"

[patsublett]

Thanks so much!

[Avlrc]

You are welcome. Welcome to the ALR.

[Keb]

auction rifle by Lee Cassel

[patsublett]

Thanks, keb

[Dphariss]

I would bet this rifle has had the patent breech removed and replaced with a drum. Possibly due to a failure or corrosion of the breech/barrel breech.  I have a Wm Moore that has had this done.
Barrel was shortened about 4" at the breech.
I bet a look at the barrel out of the stock will show the barrel key lug has been moved. This could have been done in the 20th c to make a shooter.
Built date would be hard to say. It does not say Cassel MADE it its says he SOLD it.
Could date to 1880s or 1850s. So Cassel could have made it or he might have repaired it and then sold it. Unless someone has a Cassel rifle that could be used to identify it as his work.
Really nice 1/2 stock in any event.
Dan

[patsublett]

You must have meant this reply to another post. My rifle simply has Lee Cassel Celina Ohio.