While attending a recent antique longrifle show, we came across this display. The owner of this historical rifle display graciously allowed us to photograph and gave us permission to post the photos here. We will let the display tell the story.
Peter M Thrush born 1814 died in 1889. Peter was a gunsmith in the Burlington area from at least 1850 to his death. He is listed as a gunsmith in the 1850,1870 & 1880 Mineral County census. We have seen less than half a dozen rifles made by him. One was signed Peter M Thrush in the script, the other rifles were signed P M T one in block letter and the remaining in script. All of the rifles we have seen were percussion and most likely he never built many if any flintlocks as he was active during the percussion period.
We have seen a few William Reynold's rifles and have always enjoyed seeing his unique patchboxes & the cheekpiece with the mirror. Most of his rifles we viewed had his name engraved onto the patchbox lid. Some also have his name engraved into the barrel flat between the rear sight and breech, as most signed American Longrifles do. We have seen "Wm Reynolds, Wm Reynolds & Co., and on this one pictured below, we find engraved on the patchbox lid, Wm Reynolds & Sons.
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Francis H Reynolds was born in 1822 in North Carolina. In the 1850 census, he is listed as a gunsmith in Monroe County, Virginia, present-day WV. On at least one genealogy site, they indicate he is the son of William, but another site suggests his father was named Francis. This could confirm the "Jr" behind his name on the rifle barrel. In the 1870 & 1880 census, Francis is listed as a blacksmith in Putnam County. He died in 1900 at age 78. He is buried in the Old Hurricane Baptist Church Cemetery.
We are looking forward to more information on William Reynolds and sons. We need more clarity on this one. Thanks, BMS & JDM
Earlier Post on William Reynolds
Several rifles built in Hampshire County circa 1835 were on display today at the Peach Festival in Romney, West Virginia. Including rifles made by George Young, Zebulon Sheetz, James Rinehart and John W Rinehart.
BMS & JDM
Gunmaker Richard Miller Patterson was born in July 1806 and died in 1852. In 1828 he married Rachel Hart Fleming. Rachel was born in 1801 and died in 1845. In the 1830 and 1840 Census, we find Richard living in Western Monongalia County, Virginia, or present-day Marion County, West Virginia. In the 1850 census, he is listed as a gunsmith in Marion County. Nine of his children are living with him, ages eight to twenty-two. One of the founding fathers of New Salem was John Patterson; possibly Richard is a descendant of this Patterson. The following signed rifle has been attributed to Richard. We have not found who taught Richard the art of gunsmithing. However, some of the unique carving and S-stamping on the stock are very similar to some Western Pennsylvania rifles. A clue to where or whom he learned the trade. The unique design of the patchbox and engraving on the patchbox and sideplate are of his imagination and design. The rifle has a 41.5-inch swamped rifled barrel of 36 cal., signed on top between the rear sight and breech, R. Patterson in script.
Click the picture for a larger image.
Richard's son John and gunsmith Thomas P Lilly purchased gunsmith tools and supplies at the estate sale.
Thanks to George Fleming for the use of the headstone photo. Hope you all enjoyed viewing this rifle and info on Richard Miller Patterson, JDM & BMS
A. P. McDermit Gunsmith, Civil War Union Soldier, Dentist & Druggist. Born in 1827, he died in 1899. McDermit was most active in making rifles from 1850-1860 in Mason County, West Virginia. He is listed as a gunsmith in Mason County in the 1850 census & as a gunsmith in the 1860 census in Point Pleasant.
The heavy octagon-to-round barrel and brass inserts near the muzzle to attach a shade indicate target shooting usage. While it could have been used as a buffalo rifle or Civil War sniper rifle, as the .54 caliber is large enough, it appears to have had very little use. Whatever this rifle was used for, it proudly represents the skill and artistic talents of one of West Virginia's finest gunmakers.
William Britton was born in Maryland in 1794. Worked at Harpers Ferry Arsenal. In the 1850 Hampshire County census, present-day...
