Ernest “Steve” Kardos?

[Flintlock Fellow]

Just added this .44 caliber flintlock by Steven Kardos to the collection. Excellent craftsmanship. Anyone else out there have experience with his rifles or know more about his work? Info on him appears to be pretty scarce.

[EC121]

Looks to be a Johnson City style.  I saw that at one of the recent auctions.  Passed on it.

[Flintlock Fellow]

Thanks for chiming in, Brice. As a general rule, I don’t usually buy a rifle unless the barrel bears the name “Richard Miller”—his work has kind of spoiled me, to be honest. But for whatever reason, this one called out to me. I couldn’t tell you exactly why, but it had that certain something. And the price? I paid less than what a Kibler kit would run you, which just blows my mind. It’s kind of bizarre how you can still stumble across these beautifully made rifles for next to nothing. I’m tickled pink.

[Bob Roller]

Who made the lock?I know the triggers are not mine but do wonder about the lock.That IS a fine looking long rifle that would look good in any collection.
Bob Roller

[Flintlock Fellow]

Who made the lock?I know the triggers are not mine but do wonder about the lock.That IS a fine looking long rifle that would look good in any collection.
Bob Roller

From what I understand, both Russ Hamm of Indiana and Dixie Gun Works (DGW) produced “Ashmore Warranted” locks in this style. On this particular lock, the stamped maker’s mark appears to sit higher than what I’ve typically seen on the DGW versions. That said, I’m not sure how much variation there might be in the placement of the text on those Italian-made examples. I’ll remove the lock as soon as I get a chance and check for any markings on the back of the plate.

This is my first .44, so I’ll need to pick up a mold. Looks like .433” is the standard for that caliber? Is that right?

[BoomStick]

Kardos is from the right area and right time to be in the Johnson City group, though not one of the names usually in that school.  I'd wait before ordering a mold...sometimes those descriptions aren't so accurate.  I had one described as a 54 but upon receipt found it had a coned muzzle and was actually a 50.  So at the muzzle it measured 54 but many don't get some of the peculiarity of our guns.

[Flintlock Fellow]

Kardos is from the right area and right time to be in the Johnson City group, though not one of the names usually in that school.  I'd wait before ordering a mold...sometimes those descriptions aren't so accurate.  I had one described as a 54 but upon receipt found it had a coned muzzle and was actually a 50.  So at the muzzle it measured 54 but many don't get some of the peculiarity of our guns.

Good call on waiting to order the mold— I appreciate the advice.

I read in Steve’s obituary (he passed in 2014) that he began working for Johnson City in 1985 as Director of Freedom Hall Civic Center, then as Director of Facilities. Perhaps this work sparked his interest in that school of gun making.