Nice find. Is it a Maryland rifle? I see N. Van Owen Oer. I never heard of a maker with that name. That is a riddle.
I hope that you find out. It looks like a nice rifle. I would guess Western Pa?
Reminds me of Jacob Earnest/Allison and WPA. Did you look through Rick’s book?
I looked in Rick's book and could not find a name like/close to that. Does anyone else think the last name is Van Owen Oer? Do you wonder if he shortened it up to Oer or Van Owen sometime later?
Nice find Frank! I'm thinking western Pa. also. I like the patchbox engraving and eagle. Interesting signature.
I'm in the Western Pa. camp also. Icouldn't find any name close. Perhaps the name of the owner?
How about last name Vandevender or Vandevandor ?
Here is a Nicholas Vandivender from Western Pa, right time frame. You might be able to find his occupation in the 1850 census records. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8948780/nicholas-vandivender
Quote from: jdm on June 11, 2024, 11:51:50 PMI'm in the Western Pa. camp also. Icouldn't find any name close. Perhaps the name of the owner?I’ve never seen an owners name on the top flat, but I cleaned the signature some and it’s N Vangivenger.
Quote from: Fullstock longrifle on June 12, 2024, 12:32:04 AMQuote from: jdm on June 11, 2024, 11:51:50 PMI'm in the Western Pa. camp also. Icouldn't find any name close. Perhaps the name of the owner?I’ve never seen an owners name on the top flat, but I cleaned the signature some and it’s N Vangivenger. I have seen a handful with owners name but all made by Shreckengost.