Gunmaker Fred E Kern

[Wishbone]

At the Hawken Classic this last weekend an individual asked if I would try to help him learn anything about the builder of a contemporary longrifle he owned, with the name "Fred E Kern" on the top flat of the barrel.  The inscription on the patchbox indicates the rifle as possibly being built in 1976.  He later sent to me some photos of the rifle, which are attached.   I did some basic research and Fred Kern was not listed on the current roles of the CLA membership.  No other info was located on the internet re that name associated with longrifle building.

Any info re Fred E Kern would be appreciated, to share with him.  Thanks in advance.
Wishbone

[Mike Brooks]

I would suspect Mr. Kern is no longer with us as that gun is almost 50 years old. It's very nice for 1976, Mr. Kern knew what he was doing. That barrel tang is freakishly long!

[Fyrstyk]

I have a Jaeger built by a Craig Kern.  I wonder if they are/were related.

[Kip Kern]

No sir. Crank Kern and Fred Kern are not related. We did however own Yaeger rifles

[Bob Roller]

I have a vague memory of a KERN in Ligonier,Pennsylvania but no solid info to pass on.
Bob Roller

[acorn20]

You're right Bob.  There was Kern's Gun Shop on Main Street in Ligonier, PA.  I visited his shop several times in the late 70's.  He was one of the few places that sold muzzleloading rifle parts back in the day.

[mountainman]

I had bought some brass castings at Graham's Antiques place near Ligonier, Pennsylvania that had the name Kern stamped on the lugs of the trigger guards, plus side plates and brass pipes that he would have made, I questioned the owner of the store about the name, and he said their used to be a gunmaker that made brass castings in Ligonier but he passed away some time ago already, couldn't remember what year.