Author Topic: In the mid 60s, was there a maker that signed his guns A.W. or CRAIG  (Read 2378 times)

Offline Jim Curlee

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I’m still trying to find out a bit about a rifle I bought.
I’m now wondering if it was a collaboration of makers that made a rifle as a donation.
The rifle has 1964 stamped into the barrel.
It also has W.M. Large,  A.W., and CRAIG, spread apart a bit, but all on the same flat.
I get W.M. Large, but was there a maker in 1964, that signed their rifles either A.W., or just Craig?

Thanks
Jim

Offline Ray Nelson

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Re: In the mid 60s, was there a maker that signed his guns A.W. or CRAIG
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2020, 04:53:58 AM »
Jim,

Alonzo W. Craig from Hope, Indiana. May 1970 issue of Muzzle Blasts has a front page photo of him holding a rifle he built and a 2 page article. Perhaps NMLRA has an archive copy you could acquire if you desired?

Ray

Offline Jim Curlee

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Re: In the mid 60s, was there a maker that signed his guns A.W. or CRAIG
« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2020, 05:21:05 AM »
Ray;
Far out!
I will try to get a copy of that article.
Thanks
Jim

Offline Jim Curlee

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Re: In the mid 60s, was there a maker that signed his guns A.W. or CRAIG
« Reply #3 on: April 12, 2020, 04:11:03 PM »
Got my new old rifle.

Here's a few pics.







Made by Alonzo W. Craig, from Hope Indiana, in 1964.








Offline Jim Curlee

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Re: In the mid 60s, was there a maker that signed his guns A.W. or CRAIG
« Reply #4 on: April 12, 2020, 04:18:13 PM »
A few more.





You open the patchbox, by pushing the top screw next to the butt plate.





I like it!
Jim

Offline Dave Marsh

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Re: In the mid 60s, was there a maker that signed his guns A.W. or CRAIG
« Reply #5 on: April 12, 2020, 04:24:23 PM »
Congratulations on a very nice gun you have there, Jim.....I like the cabin too and especially the oakum chinking.  My hunting cabin looks the same..

Dave
"Those who give up freedom for security deserve neither freedom nor security."
~ Benjamin Franklin

Offline adam h

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Re: In the mid 60s, was there a maker that signed his guns A.W. or CRAIG
« Reply #6 on: April 12, 2020, 04:41:30 PM »
Jim, that's a fine looking rifle, glad you like it nothing worse than buying something
and then you regret it later. I suppose you will patiently waiting for fall.
adam

Offline Ray Nelson

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Re: In the mid 60s, was there a maker that signed his guns A.W. or CRAIG
« Reply #7 on: April 12, 2020, 05:17:01 PM »
Jim,

Very nice rifle! Enjoy it. Did you get your copy of Muzzle Blasts yet?

Ray

Offline Jim Curlee

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Re: In the mid 60s, was there a maker that signed his guns A.W. or CRAIG
« Reply #8 on: April 12, 2020, 06:34:37 PM »
I asked my friend RudyC, what school/style of rifle this was, he replied “old”. LOL
No, that’s not old school, but this is, also a 1964 the bike that is, I happen to have a few years on both of-em. LOL
Jim


Offline Hungry Horse

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Re: In the mid 60s, was there a maker that signed his guns A.W. or CRAIG
« Reply #9 on: April 12, 2020, 07:39:05 PM »
 The rifle appears to be an amalgamation of styles. The lock, and furniture are all Bedford style, as is the carving, but the beautiful curly maple stock is not traditional Bedford style.

  Hungry Horse

Offline Raelaree1

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Re: In the mid 60s, was there a maker that signed his guns A.W. or CRAIG
« Reply #10 on: September 07, 2025, 08:54:59 PM »
I just stumbled across this and Alonzo Craig was my grandfather. That is definitely his gun and not a corroboration with anyone else. Sheryl Burke

Offline whetrock

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Re: In the mid 60s, was there a maker that signed his guns A.W. or CRAIG
« Reply #11 on: September 07, 2025, 11:30:51 PM »
Hey Sheryl,
Glad to see that you found this about your grandfather! Welcome!
Whetrock

Offline Bob Roller

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Re: In the mid 60s, was there a maker that signed his guns A.W. or CRAIG
« Reply #12 on: September 08, 2025, 04:26:42 PM »
Who made the lock.W.G.Sutter made a number of these Bedford style locks lived in Ruffsdale,Pa.I remember the name but can't recall what Mr.Craig looked like.I do  remember telling Sutter if he took his shirt off and dropped it the shirt would break.
Bob Roller