Author Topic: Questioning pages 547-548 of Kindig's book  (Read 1208 times)

Offline Dietle

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Questioning pages 547-548 of Kindig's book
« on: October 20, 2023, 04:45:22 PM »
Considering the patch box design and the “Frazier” spelling of the barrel inscription, is it reasonable to be skeptical that the rifle shown on page 548 of Kindig's 1960 book "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age" was made by John Fraser of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, who died sometime before May 25, 1774? I have looked through some of John Fraser’s surviving papers, and he signed his name “Fraser”.

Online Mike Brooks

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Re: Questioning pages 547-548 of Kindig's book
« Reply #1 on: October 20, 2023, 04:53:30 PM »
There are a lot of mistakes in books that were printed 60 years ago.
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Offline 120RIR

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Re: Questioning pages 547-548 of Kindig's book
« Reply #2 on: October 20, 2023, 09:27:31 PM »
Never mind 60 years ago. There are plenty of mistakes in reference books printed today and absolutely not just in the long rifle world!

Offline Jdbeck

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Re: Questioning pages 547-548 of Kindig's book
« Reply #3 on: October 20, 2023, 11:31:36 PM »
Never mind 60 years ago. There are plenty of mistakes in reference books printed today and absolutely not just in the long rifle world!

💯. Half the reason I did my Beckflintlocks.com page to correct all the errors in the books. 🤣

Offline Dietle

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Re: Questioning pages 547-548 of Kindig's book
« Reply #4 on: October 21, 2023, 03:21:37 AM »
Here is a picture I took of John Fraser's signature. It's definitely "Fraser", not "Frazier".


Offline Shreckmeister

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Re: Questioning pages 547-548 of Kindig's book
« Reply #5 on: October 21, 2023, 05:05:54 AM »
Someone faked that signature to create a legendary rifle maybe. Just heard of a well known collector doing that
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Offline jrb

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Re: Questioning pages 547-548 of Kindig's book
« Reply #6 on: October 21, 2023, 02:08:42 PM »
Shreck, i read about what i think you're referring to on a famous contemporary gun builder and knife makers facebook site, written by the famous builder himself. Shows to never trust ANYBODY

Offline Karl Kunkel

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Re: Questioning pages 547-548 of Kindig's book
« Reply #7 on: October 22, 2023, 03:54:38 AM »
I don't think it was that uncommon back then for the spelling of one's name to change with time, location and generation.  Some even signed their name with different spellings over time.
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