O.F. Helfferich

[5judge]

A friend of mine just acquired this nifty little .36ish caliber Indiana / Ohio rifle. Interesting that the lock is  repurposed from a U.S. M.1819 pistol. On a plate atop the barrel is the name "O.F. Helfferich". Should that be the maker, does the name ring a bell with anyone? Thanks!

[5judge]

P.S. I recognize, being from Indiana myself, I'm being presumptuous concluding this is, in fact, a rifle of Indiana or Ohio origins.

[Avlrc]

Otto Helfricht ,Saginaw Michichan.  May have changed his spelling ,  could be a German Immigrant. Guessing of course.

[Avlrc]

There was a O F Helfferich , ship carpenter in the 1857-1858 Detroit Michigan city directory. 

[Tanselman]

The single trigger, scrolled guard, and shorted forestock grip area all look correct for a Michigan rifle... many of which were influenced by New York rifle styles. A number of New York gunsmiths moved to Michigan in the mid-1800s [perhaps same latitude when moving west?] and influenced the local gunsmithing trade there.

Shelby Gallien

[Bob Roller]

Good looking old halfstock no matter who made it.I have made a few very similar but that was over 50 years ago.
Bob Roller

[5judge]

Good on you! Any you might illustrate and describe?