Author Topic: Gun Maker, Ohio/Indiana  (Read 979 times)

Offline FinnBoy49

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Gun Maker, Ohio/Indiana
« on: December 27, 2023, 05:58:10 PM »
I have a 36 caliber percussion rifle. I know nothing about the maker but his initials on the barrel are J.E.N. The rifle was purchased at an Antique store in Miamitown, Ohio in the 60s. Would anyone have any info on this gunmaker?
 Hopefully the photo of the initials will upload.



Offline Avlrc

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Re: Gun Maker, Ohio/Indiana
« Reply #1 on: December 27, 2023, 07:35:15 PM »
 Need photos of your rifle.   But there was a James Edward Nelson from Hampshire County WV.  1850s. 

Here is a signature from one of his rifles that I own.





Offline homerifle

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Re: Gun Maker, Ohio/Indiana
« Reply #2 on: December 27, 2023, 09:35:03 PM »
More pictures of the gun would be a huge help.

Offline JTR

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Re: Gun Maker, Ohio/Indiana
« Reply #3 on: December 27, 2023, 09:58:43 PM »
The two signatures look like the same guy to me.
John Robbins

Offline Avlrc

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Re: Gun Maker, Ohio/Indiana
« Reply #4 on: December 27, 2023, 10:38:32 PM »
The two signatures look like the same guy to me.

Thats what I thought. I hope the OP posts photos to know for sure. 

More info on Nelson. 

https://hampshirecountylongrifle.blogspot.com/2014/09/james-edward-nelson-gunsmith.html

Offline FinnBoy49

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Re: Gun Maker, Ohio/Indiana
« Reply #5 on: December 27, 2023, 11:58:26 PM »













Offline Avlrc

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Re: Gun Maker, Ohio/Indiana
« Reply #6 on: December 28, 2023, 12:28:32 AM »
Great, nice find.   I believe this makes about five that we are now aware of. Thanks for posting.  If you ever want to get rid of it, PM me.

Offline homerifle

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Re: Gun Maker, Ohio/Indiana
« Reply #7 on: December 28, 2023, 06:47:27 PM »
Thanks for the additional pictures. That confirmed it as a James Edward Nelson a Hampshire County West Virginia/Virginia rifle. Is it a half or full stock gun?

Offline Daryl

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Re: Gun Maker, Ohio/Indiana
« Reply #8 on: December 28, 2023, 08:31:51 PM »
Same letters, but? Perhaps he was drunk when he (if it was him) scribbled the top one.
They are not even remotely close to the same skill level.
Daryl

"a gun without hammers is like a spaniel without ears" King George V

Offline JTR

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Re: Gun Maker, Ohio/Indiana
« Reply #9 on: December 28, 2023, 09:03:45 PM »
Daryl. I wouldn't worry about the difference too much.
A lot of the barrel signed guns have varying signatures from the same maker.
Take for instance Jacob Dickert, and these four signed barrels.








« Last Edit: December 28, 2023, 09:08:57 PM by JTR »
John Robbins