Vogler Gun Shop Visit - Blake Stevenson

[Marcruger]

Hi Folks,

I had an enjoyable visit today at the Old Salem, NC gunshop of Timothy Vogler.  It was constructed in 1831, and is today managed by gunsmith Blake Stevenson where they carry on construction of Vogler-style longrifles. 

Blake was very patient and helpful with me today, and took the time to explain to me the upper sidelate patchbox release on the typical Salem longrifle.  I'd always wondered how they transferred that button's motion to release the lid. 

Blake was in the middle of hand-drilling the ramrod channel on a rifle with a spoon-shaped bit that can cut either direction.  He shared the importance of removing the shavings often so they don't imbed and bind in the hole, or cause it to wander.  Quite the instruction day.   :-) 

Here is Blake at work in the shop.   If you like slim longrifles....Salem rifles fit the bill. 

Best wishes and God Bless,   Marc

[Marcruger]

A neat German target on the wall in the Vogler shop.  I am guessing it is a reproduction, but it may be real.  Can anyone translate German?  :-)   Best wishes,  Marc

[blienemann]

"All skill is for naught
when an Angel *#)*^! in your touchhole"

[Bob Roller]

"All skill is for naught
when an Angel *#)*^! in your touchhole"

That's an old German saying.
 Alle kunst ist umsonst wenn ein englein auf dir's fundloch brunst.

Bob Roller

[Marcruger]

Not what I expected!   That translation is a hoot, and explains the image.  Many thanks.  God Bless,   Marc

[shifty]

 Marcruger, how acepting are they of visits to the Shop?

[Jim Chambers]

I believe the gun shop is part of the tour package for Old Salem.  But, since I used to work there and know the guys there I usually just slip in the back door.  However, I would suggest taking the whole tour of Old Salem.  It's worth every penny.  90% or so of Colonial Williamsburg is reconstruction, 90% of Old Salem in original structures.  Spend a whole day, and don't forget to tour MESDA (Museum of Early Decorative Arts).  You will see the best of southern furnishings and interiors.  The Charleston room was done by John Bivins, and it along is worth the price of admission.  They also have some really fine rifles on display.

[Dennis Glazener]

I believe the gun shop is part of the tour package for Old Salem.  But, since I used to work there and know the guys there I usually just slip in the back door.  However, I would suggest taking the whole tour of Old Salem.  It's worth every penny.  90% or so of Colonial Williamsburg is reconstruction, 90% of Old Salem in original structures.  Spend a whole day, and don't forget to tour MESDA (Museum of Early Decorative Arts).  You will see the best of southern furnishings and interiors.  The Charleston room was done by John Bivins, and it along is worth the price of admission.  They also have some really fine rifles on display.

I agree, great place to visit. I was given the nickel tour there several years ago, even got to see the guns that were not on display. Later we went over to the gun shop and I know the front part was open to visitors, not sure about the back part. The person I was with showed me the back part of the shop. He then opened a cupboard like set of doors (as well as I remember). Behind the doors was an original sign for the shop. Let's see Colonial Williamsburg top that!

I have forgotten what was lettered on the sign, I keep thinking Volger's name but not sure what else. Maybe Jim remembers.
Dennis

[Marcruger]

My regards to Jim and Dennis, and thank you for filling folks in on the situation. 
The Vogler shop is currently part of the overall tour pass.  As was mentioned, it is worth every penny. Salem was a Moravian planned 18th century community, and the Voglers produced some great rifles and riflesmiths. 
The Museum of Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) is totally worth the tour.  Included is the incredible, completely silver-mounted, profusely engraved John Vogler longrifle....worth the drive and money to see.  Many other wonderful longrifles to see, and yes, you can ask for a tour of just the rifles. 
The foods at the inns and bakery are delicious, and a fine calling card for your spouse to attend with you.  :-) 
The Tim Vogler shop is set up as an exhibit and teaching place, and they have many visitors each day.  They are extremely patient, even with goobers like me asking questions. 
I understand that they complete around 4 rifles per year, so you can see that the teaching requires a goodly portion of time.  I may be incorrect on this, and welcome correction by folks in the know. 
Blake Stevenson reminds me of Tim Crosby, a humble and very talented artist who seems eager to share what he knows.  We'd be lucky to have more like them in the world. 
Best wishes and God Bless,   Marc

[Keb]

I went to Old Salem & the MESDA last fall. A lady yelled at me for leaning on a door casing. What was I thinking?

[Wayne Holcombe]

I always make it to the bakery shop for oatmeal cookies when I'm in the area.They are the finest kind.When I used to stop and see John Bivins the gunshop wasn't open.Glad to hear its back in production.