Discuss Lancaster guns in the Library

[rich pierce]

We have a great resource here, that some may not have explored. It can feel a little clunky but once used to the many clicks, well worth a little effort. All my pix got out of order. But at least you now know it’s there.

Yes, we have a library for original antique longrifles.   Here are some pix to show one way to navigate to Lancaster rifles.





You’ll need to learn to navigate it yourself but here are some links to get you started.
Start here for example:   https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?board=329.0

Then see states or region where you can select Pennsylvania
Then see menu allowing you to select Lancaster



https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?board=330.0
https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?board=343.0
Let’s say I want to revisit my favorite by Fainot
https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=15448.0
One more click; be patient.
https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=15403.0

Think of it as a treasure hunt.  I did this from my phone; that’s why my links and photos got out of order. Or I’m just not too sharp this morning. 

Now, discuss one you really like among the Lancaster rifles. Go!

[rich pierce]

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=15403.0 By George Fainot. This is one of my all time favorite longrifles. I favor early guns and Fainot’s style was unique. His architecture fits well into the Lancaster norms for the 1770-1790 period but his carving and patchbox design and mechanics were unique. His sideplates are a signature as well. I built a rifle based on this one, and the library pictures and correspondence with collectors here on the site was very helpful. I built another Fainot, a smoothbore, as well, and have one more planned, to be built around a 52” Getz octagon to round 32 gauge smoothbore barrel.

[WESTbury]

I like this Dickert rifle in the library.

The restoration was very well accomplished. True, there are many Dickert rifles extant, but I think this particular rifle is one of the best.

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=22664.0

[utseabee]

I am partial to early Lancaster rifles. This would be my favorite.
http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=3114.0

[rich pierce]

I am partial to early Lancaster rifles. This would be my favorite.
http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=3114.0

The carving is outstanding on that one. Real clean architecture. Good choice.

[FALout]

I’ve used the library many times.  There have been times that I wished it work differently but right now I Can’t say or remember what to suggest.   I do remember that if there is a long list of builders it’s hard to keep track of what was already viewed.  But the library is a great resource that should be used by all.

[flinchrocket]

Of the Lancaster rifles I would have to say my favorite is the John Brooks rifle.
http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=3433.0
It just has a good balance of what you would expect from a Lancaster rifle. The pictures aren’t the best but the patchbox, triggerguard and carving and buttstock architecture are great.

[Dobyns]

I think the John Brooks belongs "other than Lancaster".  Its a beautiful rifle, but I see more Berks/Upper Susquehanna in the comb and toe lines.

[rich pierce]

I think the John Brooks belongs "other than Lancaster".  Its a beautiful rifle, but I see more Berks/Upper Susquehanna in the comb and toe lines.

Classic and outstanding Lancaster-style carving on this one. A real beauty. There are 2 John Brooks rifles in Kindig’s Golden Age book where he states John Brooks moved around. This theme is repeated in The Lancaster Longrifle Book, where a fine Brooks rifle with Dauphin County associations is featured. A working relationship with Martin Shell is suggested.

[JTR]

I like this Dickert rifle in the library.

The restoration was very well accomplished. True, there are many Dickert rifles extant, but I think this particular rifle is one of the best.

https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=22664.0

I like that one as well! Certainly one of the best from his later period. I know of 3 others with similar decoration, one with the date 1803. Although that date is likely an after the fact addition.

There's a huge number of guns in the Library! Take a look!
John

[alacran]

I use the library quite often. Best way to learn its quirks is to use it.

[Buck]

I'd agree with DOBYNS on the Brooks rifle - Architecturally it leans more towards Berks. The positioning of the patchbox even has a Dauphin Co. feel to it - beautiful piece.

John - I too appreciate your Lazarus piece, an excellent resurrection.

Buck

[Longknife]

Rich. Thanks for bringing up the library, it is indeed a treasure!!!  Maybe you can explain how one submits a rifle for inclusion! ...Ed

[JTR]

I'd agree with DOBYNS on the Brooks rifle - Architecturally it leans more towards Berks. The positioning of the patchbox even has a Dauphin Co. feel to it - beautiful piece.

John - I too appreciate your Lazarus piece, an excellent resurrection.

Buck

Thanks Buck. Another one in the works ;-)

[Majorjoel]

Talking about the "Lazarus" Dickert rifle, its story is one I have saved from another forum and enjoy going back to it often. It is a tale worthy of collector's dream status! 

John (JTR) your outstanding work will forever be a benchmark IMHO for what proper restoration is all about!

[Buck2]

Jon - look forward to it.

Buck

[JTR]

Thank you, Joel. And Buck. Much appreciated!
Though time consuming, I really enjoy this sort of work.
Truth be known, depending, about half the time is spend researching just what a particular part/area/details should look like from a particular maker. A good library helps, but having access to some of the best collections, and owners, through the KRA has been a huge help!
Thanks again, John

PS, Laz II,,,,,,, 

 

[smylee grouch]

Thank you also from me Rich. I enjoy the Lancaster's and those by Kuntz also so will be checking them out. I have a Harris Holland (founder of Holland & Holland ) double 13 ga. perc. gun, would this be acceptable to place in the Library ? Made in around 1860 + or -.