RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Aug 16, 2022 7:16:46 GMT -7
I don’t even have timber for my fowler yet, but I’ve come across some interesting tidbits in my Germanic fowling gun stock architecture research, so thought I’d share. If you buy into the theory of evolution that the short Germanic rifle, commonly called the Jaeger, ‘begat’ the American Longrifle, you would assume that most early rifles - German or American - were short and looked distinctly German. But I’m finding information that shows a surprising variety of early rifles roaming this continent before the AWI. Extant examples are, of course, extremely scarce. But… I did find this example which I’m absolutely smitten with. German and mid-18th Century. Provenance is sketchy as to if it was in North America then. But this has Casper Wistar’s name all over it.
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Aug 16, 2022 7:18:15 GMT -7
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Aug 16, 2022 7:21:52 GMT -7
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Aug 16, 2022 7:36:20 GMT -7
Ain't it great? Smitten, is I.
Does anyone else have extant examples or documentation regarding European rifles in the colonies pre-AWI?
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Post by artificer on Aug 16, 2022 11:14:52 GMT -7
From Virginia: "Col. Phil also enjoyed hunting. The inventory of his possessions included "1 Rifle new made by Turvey" and "1 new Turvey," as well as a fowling piece and a gun.57 The rifle and unspecified firearm were probably made by gunsmith William Turvey (II) of London. Most Virginia planters purchased locally-made rifles, but Col. Phil had sent to London to acquire one of the best rifles available at the time. Much more accurate than those made in the colonies, this rifle was used for recreational game hunting and target matches. Turvey rifles were elegant, artistic pieces, and an obvious status symbol in the colonies.58" 57. Philip Ludwell Lee inventory in Wyrick, "Site Precis." 58. Personal communication, Wallace Gusler and Jay Gaynor, March 1992. www.geni.com/people/Philip-Ludwell-Lee-of-Stratford-Hall/6000000001180342386 Probably similar to the Kit Jim Chambers sells as the "English Gentleman's Sporting Rifle": www.flintlocks.com/rifles05.htmGus
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Post by artificer on Aug 16, 2022 11:19:54 GMT -7
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Post by artificer on Aug 16, 2022 14:43:15 GMT -7
I wouldn't copy that "rear sight channel," but the rest of the rifle is very interesting. Gus
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Post by artificer on Aug 16, 2022 14:44:40 GMT -7
Oh my, that rifle is set up with SLING SWIVELS !!
Grin.
Gus
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Aug 16, 2022 15:06:44 GMT -7
Oh my, that rifle is set up with SLING SWIVELS !! Grin. Gus You know. Because it’s European. Auction descriptions are always suspect, but here it is. A “FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR PERIOD GERMAN FLINTLOCK TRADE RIFLE”: auctions.morphyauctions.com/_a__french_and_indian_war_period_german_flintlock_-lot465461.aspx’Trade’ rifle? Whatever. I like it. This is interesting on so many levels and if stocked in North American wood and a few rococo volutes… it feels like it’s on the family tree. Heck, put a Fowling gun TG on it and with a .62/20ga barrel… stocked in maple or cherry… Pennsylvania German Fowler.
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Post by artificer on Aug 16, 2022 15:12:32 GMT -7
Exactly, as some other German and/or Swiss imported rifles with at least some provenance to the Colonial Period here. But the problem is often the provenance is not that good or lacking beyond family stories. Gus
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Post by artificer on Aug 16, 2022 15:17:08 GMT -7
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Post by brokennock on Aug 16, 2022 16:15:58 GMT -7
That is a great piece. I too would not copy that rear sight groove.
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Post by brokennock on Aug 16, 2022 16:19:12 GMT -7
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Post by spence on Aug 16, 2022 18:25:50 GMT -7
The Pennsylvania Gazette February 17, 1773 Philadelphia, February 15, 1773. To be SOLD very cheap, for cash only, by CONRAD BATIS, Living in Market street, next door to the corner of Third street, opposite to the goal, in Philadelphia, A QUANTITY of this country and German made RIFLES, both cut and smooth bores,...
The South-Carolina GAZETTE February 25, 1764 CHARLES-TOWN At the same place are to be sold, the best, handsomest and cheapest rifle barrel guns ever imported into this province.
The South-Carolina GAZETTE March 10, 1764 JOHN DODD , Gunsmith, CHARLES-TOWN Has imported in the Heart-of-Oak, Capt. Henry Gunn, on assortment of the following articles , viz…..BEST Dutch rifles, with moulds and wipers,
The South-Carolina GAZETTE June 2, 1759 BREMAR & NEYLE HAVE lately imported the following Articles, from LONDON & BRISTOL, Which they will sell at TEN for ONE, allowing the usual T M CREDIT, Or at NINE for ONE READY MONEY. Location: CHARLES-TOWN A compleat assortment of fowling pieces, rifle-barrel and trading guns,...
The Pennsylvania Gazette September 6, 1764 Imported from Liverpool, and to be sold for prime Cost, at ROBERT TOWERS,... cutting knives, traces, rat traps, rifle, double barrel and smooth bore guns, pistols, flints, bullet and shot molds, with a variety of other things.
Spence
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Aug 17, 2022 4:47:56 GMT -7
Jaegers are wonderful and interesting to study in their own right, especially ones that can be linked to time in colonial North America.
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