School: Mecklenburg (North Carolina/NC)
Nothing is known about this gunmaker. This single rifle is signed “MA” in script on the brass patch box. Engraved on a silver plate is “Made for John Amos ye 1 + 180?”. Hopkins Collection.
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
M.A.
Christian Arney
School: Mecklenburg (North Carolina/NC)
Christian Arney (1795-1840) of Lincoln County, NC. There is an alternate spelling on signed guns of Christian Earney. A longrifle of note by Arney has “CA” engraved in script as does other Mecklenburg rifles. This rifle has the typical features associated with the Mecklenburg School: faceted lockplate, forestock molding terminating in a small volute and an incised comb line. Ivey Collection. There are other rifles and pistols by the same hand signed known.
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
W.B.
School: Mecklenburg (North Carolina/NC)
John Bivins considered the rifle signed “W.B.” in script on the brass patch box one of the finest examples of a North Carolina longrifle. W.B.’s identity is unknown. Ivey Collection.
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
John Valentine Beck
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Born in Germany and learned gunsmithing there. Worked in Christian’s Spring, PA before he moved to North Carolina. He worked in Old Salem and Bethabara, North Carolina in the 1770s.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
W. E. Beck
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
There is one known rifle stamped, “W.E. Beck Winston N.C.” This half-stock percussion rifle was made in the Salem School style.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Henry Bruner III
School: Rowan (North Carolina/NC)
There were three Henry Bruners- Henry Bruner Sr. (1719-1769), Henry Bruner Jr. (died 1803) and Henry Bruner III (1789-1819). A known example of Henry Bruner III’s work has a “Christmas tree” style patchbox, which is typical for the Rowan School of gunmaking. It is signed, “H.B.” The Bruner’s favored the patchbox release button in the toe plate and not in the upper sideplate of the patchbox as found in most Rowan School rifles.
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Henry Bruner Jr.
School: Rowan (North Carolina/NC)
There were three Henry Bruners- Henry Bruner Sr. (1719-1769), Henry Bruner Jr. (died 1803) and Henry Bruner III (1789-1819). The Bruner’s favored the patchbox release button in the toe plate and not in the upper sideplate of the patchbox as found in most Rowan School rifles.
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Henry Bruner Sr.
School: Rowan (North Carolina/NC)
There were three Henry Bruners- Henry Bruner Sr. (1719-1769), Henry Bruner Jr. (died 1803) and Henry Bruner III (1789-1819). The Bruner’s favored the patchbox release button in the toe plate and not in the upper sideplate of the patchbox as found in most Rowan School rifles.
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
SMB
School: Mecklenburg (North Carolina/NC)
This rifle signed “SMB” in script on the brass patch box is certainly related to the rifle similarly engraved WB. The patch box and finial are similar to other Mecklenburg rifles. The faceted lockplate is another Mecklenburg detail. The maker’s identity is unknown. MESDA Collection.
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Edward S. Butner
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1818. Worked in the Bethania area of North Carolina. His work is classic late Salem School.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Herman Buttner
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1793. He worked in Salem and Bethabara, North Carolina. He was apprenticed to Christopher Vogler at Salem in 1810.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
L.T.C.
School: Mecklenburg (North Carolina/NC)
The single rifle signed “LTC” in script on the brass patch box is certainly a Mecklenburg rifle as the engraving is classic for this school of makers. This rifle has no decorative carving. The gunmaker’s identity is unknown. Ivey Collection.
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Phillip Cameron
School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)
Listed in the North Carolina census as a gunsmith in Moore County.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
John Clodfelter
School: Davidson (North Carolina/NC)
Known for the rare buggy rifle stamped, “A.L. & J.C. NC”. Andrew Long and John Clodfelter were Davidson County gunsmiths.
Source:
Ivey, William. North
Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Jacob Crider
School: Rowan (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1770 in Rowan County.
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
William Dettmar
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Born in Germany in 1832. He apprenticed in Old Salem, North Carolina under Timothy Vogler. He is considered one of the later gunsmiths working in Salem. There is one known example of a large padlock stamped with his name.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
George Eagle II
School: Rowan (North Carolina/NC)
Born in Rowan County in 1783. Worked in Rowan and Cabarrus Counties, NC. His brother, John Eagle, was also a gunsmith. A known example of his work has a “Christmas tree” style patchbox, which is typical for the Rowan School of gunmaking.
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
John Eagle
School: Rowan (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1790. His brother, George Eagle II, was also a gunsmith. A known example of John’s work has a “Christmas tree” style patchbox, which is typical for the Rowan School of gunmaking. This particular rifle also has excessive relief carving and is signed, “Made by J. Eagle.”
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Christian Earney
Earney is an alternate spelling for Arney.
See the entry for Christian Arney.
Solomon Farrington
School: Davidson (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1772 in what was Rowan County, which is now Davidson County.
Source:
Ivey, William. North
Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
George Foltz
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Born 1798. He worked in Old Salem, North Carolina under Timothy Vogler in the 1830s. Some of his rifles have the typical Eagle style patchbox.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
D. G.
School: Rowan (North Carolina/NC)
There is an existing rifle with similar characteristics to the Rowan School of gunmaking and signed “D.G.” The patchbox edelweiss finial is usually associated with Virginia gunsmiths, but some Piedmont NC rifles have similar finials.
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Edward Harper
School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1780 in Chatham County, died 1857. He worked a few miles away from Mechanics Hill, North Carolina near present day Harpers Cross Roads. He was the father of gunsmith John Harper. Both father and son are considered provincial or back-country gun makers. While they were influenced by the Kennedys, they were not restricted to conform to any shop standards.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
John Harper
School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1815 in Chatham County, died 1857. He worked a few miles away from Mechanics Hill, North Carolina near present day Harpers Cross Roads. He was the son of gunsmith Edward Harper. Both father and son are considered provincial or back-country gun makers. While they were influenced by the Kennedys, they were not restricted to conform to any shop standards.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Henry W. Huffman
School: Catawba County (North Carolina/NC)
Henry W. Huffman (born 1807) was known to sign his rifles either in script or stamped in block letters on the top barrel flat. The four piece patchbox was similar to the Lancaster, PA box with its sideplates interrupted by wood.
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Alexander Kennedy the Earlier
School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)
Alexander Kennedy the Earlier born 1738 and died 1805. He was the head of the well known, Kennedy family of gunsmiths of Mechanics Hill, North Carolina. Father of gunsmiths David Kennedy (1768-1837), Alexander Kennedy II (1772-1828) and John Kennedy II (born 1766, died ?).
Source:
Ivey, William. North
Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Alexander Kennedy II
School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1768 (died 1828) in what was Orange County, now Moore County. Part of the well known, Kennedy family of gunsmiths of Mechanics Hill, North Carolina. A known rifle bears a coin silver flower similar to those on some Virginia rifles.
Source:
Ivey, William. North
Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
David Kennedy
School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1768 in what was Orange County, now Moore County. Part of the well known, Kennedy family of gunsmiths of Mechanics Hill, North Carolina. David Kennedy supplied some arms to the US government for the war of 1812. Known rifles usually bear a star finial, which is said to be based on the flower finial found on Lancaster, Pennsylvania rifles. Other patchbox finials exist, such as a bird and a coin silver flower similar to those on some Virginia rifles.
Source:
Ivey, William. North
Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Enoch S. Kennedy
School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1805 in Moore County, died 1835. Part of the well known, Kennedy family of gunsmiths of Mechanics Hill, North Carolina. Son of David Kennedy. A known coin silver mounted flintlock pistol bears identical engraving found on other Kennedy made rifles. The pistol is signed in script “ES Kennedy” on a silver plate inlayed in the top flat of the barrel.
Source:
Ivey, William. North
Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Hiram Kennedy
School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1792 in Moore County, died 1862. Part of the well known, Kennedy family of gunsmiths of Mechanics Hill, North Carolina. Son of David Kennedy. A known coin silver mounted flintlock pistol has signed in script “H Kennedy” on a silver plate inlayed in the top flat of the barrel.
Source:
Ivey, William. North
Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
John Kennedy II
School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1766 in what was Orange County, now Moore County. Part of the well known, Kennedy family of gunsmiths of Mechanics Hill, North Carolina. A known longrifle has a captured patchbox lid, that is all four sides of the lid are surrounded the brass “box.”
Source:
Ivey, William. North
Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
John Kennedy III
School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1790 in Moore County. Part of the well known, Kennedy family of gunsmiths of Mechanics Hill, North Carolina. Son of David Kennedy. An existing very plain rifle without a patchbox is signed in script (not stamped) “J*K” for John Kennedy.
Source:
Ivey, William. North
Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Henry Ledford
School: Davidson (North Carolina/NC)
Henry Ledford (1796-1856). His earlier work showed Salem, NC influences. His later work has less of a Salem architectural appearance.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
James Lett
School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)
Listed in the Moore County North Carolina census in 1840. Only one longrifle is known to this maker, but it bears the tradition of Bear Creek and Moore County gunsmiths.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Andrew Long
School: Davidson (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1793 and his work is shows a close association with Henry Ledford. There is a known longrifle stamped “Made by A. LONG & Sons, N.C.”. Andrew Long (father) was joined by his two sons in the gunmaking trade. His sons, Felix born in 1811 and Solomon born in 1814.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Felix Long
School: Davidson (North Carolina/NC)
There is a known longrifle stamped “Made by A. LONG & Sons, N.C.”. Andrew Long (father) was joined by his two sons in the gunmaking trade. His sons, Felix born in 1811 and Solomon born in 1814.
Source:
Ivey, William. North
Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Solomon Long
School: Davidson (North Carolina/NC)
There is a known longrifle stamped “Made by A. LONG & Sons, N.C.”. Andrew Long (father) was joined by his two sons in the gunmaking trade. His sons, Felix born in 1811 and Solomon born in 1814.
Source:
Ivey, William. North
Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Bryant Martindale
School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)
A known rifle, signed “B. Martindale” is engraved differently and in a higher quality than most Kennedy rifles.
Source:
Ivey, William. North
Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Leonard Nash
School: Rowan (North Carolina/NC)
Leonard Nash worked in Iredell County in the manner of the Rowan School. A known example of John’s work has a “Christmas tree” style patchbox, which is typical for the Rowan School of gunmaking. This box has is made from cast brass with a concealed hinge. Typical construction is of sheet brass. This particular rifle is signed “L.N.”
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Samuel Peterson
School: Catawba Valley (North Carolina/NC)
Mr. Samuel Peterson was born 1795 in Lincoln County NC. He worked in the Catawba School of Gunmaking. He died after 1870 in Ironton Missouri. Samuel Peterson along with his father Matthias Peterson, his uncle Tobias Peterson, and his grandfather Paul Peterson were all gunsmiths. They all lived near Hickory NC at the time they were gunsmithing. Samuel’s grandfather Paul Peterson was a gunsmith that immigrated from Switzerland about 1750.
Source: Research reported by Mr. Terry Edwards, Kings Mountain, NC (9-5-2019)
George Reavis
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
There is some beleif that Reavis recieved some training is Salem, North Carolina. A known sample of his work made in Yadkin County lacks the quality of rifle making that came out of the Salem Vogler gunshop.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Jesse Regan
School: Davidson (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1815. Apparently apprenticed with Henry Ledford.
Source:
Ivey, William. North
Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Isacc Ribelin
School: Rowan (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1801. Known examples of his work are signed “I.R.” and “IR”.
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
B. L. Sanders
School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)
B. L. Sanders worked in the David Kennedy shop in Mechanics Hill, North Carolina. He later became the Sheriff of Montgomery County.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Elias Schaub
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
1811-1881. Worked in Bethania, North Carolina in the Salem School style.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
John Spinks
School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1795. A known rifle is signed “J. S.” He probably worked in southeastern Randolph or Moore County.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Isaac Thompson
School: Mecklenburg (North Carolina/NC)
Isaac Thompson was a gunsmith in the Paw Creek section of Mecklenburg County. He was known to engrave a silver inlay in the top flat of a barrel with his full name also with is initials (in script) on other examples. There were two Isaac Thompsons one born in 1780 and another about 1802; it is unknown which was the gunmaker.
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Abraham VanHoy
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1783, he was a gunsmith in what is now Forsyth County (was Stokes County). His work is generally influenced by the Salem School.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Christoper Vogler
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Worked in Old Salem, North Carolina around 1800. Signed barrel, “C. Vogler Salem, N.C.”
Metal engraving may have been done by John Vogler.
Source:
Bivins, John. Longrifles of North Carolina, 2nd. Edition. York, PA: George Shumway Publisher, 2006. Print.
George Vogler
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Signed barrel, “Ge Vogler Salisbury”. George Vogler may have worked in Salisbury, NC. His work is typically Salem School in style.
Source:
Bivins, John. Longrifles of North Carolina, 2nd. Edition. York, PA: George Shumway Publisher, 2006. Print.
John Vogler
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Signed barrel, “Jon Vogler Salem N.C.” Exceptional engraver and known for his eagle patchbox finial. Also known as a silversmith. May have engraved metal parts for other Vogler family gunsmiths.
Source:
Bivins, John. Longrifles of North Carolina, 2nd. Edition. York, PA: George Shumway Publisher, 2006. Print.
Nathaniel Vogler
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Signed rifle, “Natanuel Vogler Salem N.C.” Journeyman gunsmith around 1828.
Source:
Bivins, John. Longrifles of North Carolina, 2nd. Edition. York, PA: George Shumway Publisher, 2006. Print.
Timothy Vogler
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Signed rifle, T. VOGLER
Source:
Bivins, John. Longrifles of North Carolina, 2nd. Edition. York, PA: George Shumway Publisher, 2006. Print.
John Waisner, Jr.
School: Rowan (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1808 in Rowan County. Apprenticed to Henry Bruner III.
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Edmund Williamson
School: Bear Creek School (North Carolina/NC)
Listed in the North Carolina census as a gunsmith in Moore County.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
Phillip Yost
School: Rowan (North Carolina/NC)
Born in 1777 and died in 1848 in Rowan County. A known rifle has a “Christmas tree” patchbox and is signed, “P. Yost.”
Source: Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.
