Plains Rifle 090330-2

[nord]

GOLCHER & SIMPSON, St. PAUL.  This one certainly qualifies as a Plains Rifle.
 
Measurements are as follows:
 
Length overall:                      47 1/2"
 
Barrel length:                       30 1/2"
 
Width across flats:               1 1/8"
 
Caliber:                                approximately .50
 
Length of pull:                      14"
 
Stock:                                 maple

[Curt J]

There is no doubt about where this rifle was made, it was definitely made in St. Paul, Minnesota. The 1860 census lists William Golcher as a gunsmith in the 2nd Ward, City of St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota.  Wm. Golcher was 26, born in England. He owned real estate valued at $400; personal estate valued at $1,000. His wife Kate, was 23, born in Ireland. A daughter, Mary A., age 4, was born in New Jersey.

William Golcher is also listed there as a gunsmith in the 1870 census, age 36, born in England. He by then owned real estate valued at $20,000 and personal estate valued at $10,000. His wife Catherine was 33, born in Ireland. Their daughter Mary was now 14, but listed as having been born in Minnesota. Three other children, Nellie, age 9; Harry, age 7; and "Baby" age 6/12, were all born in Minnesota.


I have not been able to find the partner named Simpson.

[Ray Nelson]

The Minnesota Historical Society has a Golcher & Simpson 1/2 stock rifle. They list Simpson as Mr. James Simpson.

I have seen another Golcher & Simpson dated 1851 and have made a pattern of this one.  Buttplate and trigger guard furniture appears to be similar to this one., walnut wood, double set triggers, 1 1/8" barrel; 50 caliber; percussion sidelock and identical pewter nosecap.

I do like these guns.

Ray