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Little seems to be known of William Britton. In "Gunsmiths of Maryland" by Hartzler & Whisker , He is listed as a Armorer at Harper's Ferry Arsenal. In the 1850 census he is living in Hampshire County, with a family by the name of Baker. If I am following the census taker correctly he was a mile or so down Dans Run Road from the stop light in present day Fort Ashby, Mineral County WV. He gives 1794 as his year of birth and Maryland his birthplace. His occupation listed as a Gunsmith. We have found no land records for Britton.
In William H Ansels article "Gunsmiths of Hampshire County" he states that in the "Manufactures Census" that the census taker indicated Britton was illiterate. William Britton was a skilled gunsmith and his rifles are above average. He did relief and incise carving. His best known relief work can be seen on page 173 in Bowers "Gunsmiths of Pen-MAR-VA 1790-1840. Many of his rifles were originally flintlock. We have seen a few original percussion.
More Pictures of This Rifle can bee seen on Page 154 of
"Virginia Gunsmiths and Allied Professions" by James B. Whisker.
After the 1850 census , we lose track of William Britton. We would appreciate any information that you may have on this excellent gunsmith.
For more pictures of Brittons work see James B. Whiskers " Gunsmiths of West Virginia" Page 62.
Thanks to the collectors who allowed us to enjoy their rifles. We thank Mark Elliott for the top and bottom three photos. Here is a link to Mark Elliotts site to see more of his work.
http://www.markelliottva.com/wordpress/intro/
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