Monte Mandarino

[Seth Isaacson]

http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=52378.0 This topic still has me itching to see more of Mr. Mandarino's work. The little I have seen has been very impressive. Anyone have more images of guns by him? Very little seems to be available online.

[smart dog]

Hi,
Consensus on that thread is that the mark is not Monte Mandarino but Mark Bokencamp.  Mandarino's work is exceptional and the only place I have seen multiple examples is in Weir's book on contemporary muzzleloading gunmakers.

dave

[sqrldog]

RH it would take some digging but there was an article on Mandarino in a Muzzle Blasts years back. Cover photo was one of the most spectacular fowlers I've seen. Tim

[mtlonghunter]

Get a copy of Steel Canvas. It has a half a dozen of Monty^s guns to look at.

[Seth Isaacson]

Thanks guys I’ll check those out. For such a well-respected maker, it is surprisingly hard to view his work.

[smokinbuck]

Dave,
I knew Mark Bokencamp when he lived in Delaware Ohio and he was an excellent blacksmith but I don't remember ever seeing a rifles that he built.
Mark

[smylee grouch]

I had the good fortune of meeting Monte Mandarino  when traveling through Kalispell  Mt several years ago right after he finished that French fouler that was showcased in The American Rifleman magazine. A true masterpiece of a gun and a true master in the highest sense is Mr. Mandarino.

[Jim Kibler]

Still the best.

[smart dog]

Dave,
I knew Mark Bokencamp when he lived in Delaware Ohio and he was an excellent blacksmith but I don't remember ever seeing a rifles that he built.
Mark

Hi Mark,
If you read the following thread that I referred to your question will be answered.

http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=52378.0

dave

[smokinbuck]

Dave,
Couldn't find the reference to Mark but the majority says that you are right. Knew him as a blacksmith, one of the best, but did not know him as a gun maker. Thanks for the correction.
Mark