School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Warwick Township, Lititz, Pa., 1772-1800

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Born August 5, 1772 in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Died January 27, 1845. Son of grand master Andreas Albrecht. Documented as a maker in Lititz/Warwick Twp. as early as 1792. It appears that Henry was a peripatetic gunmaker, moving west to Cumberland County and then to Ohio, later to return to the Moravian communities of Lititz (Lancaster Co.) and Nazareth (Lehigh Co.)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Warwick Township, Lititz, Pa., 1814-1820

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

County records cite a Metschl Aldenderfer, gunsmith, working in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster Co., PA. Not much is known about the man; some scholars have dated him as working as early as the 1760’s. Researcher Sam Dyke was able to find only one tax record for him…1800.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Cocalico Township, 1800-Only

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Lancaster Boro., 1843-1844

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Leacock Township, 1802

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Deed Book B. “Mayhill” Lampeter Twp.,1741

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Noted gunsmith researcher Sam Dyke located the name of John Baker, gunsmith, in county records spanning the period 1728-1750. Baker worked within the town of Lancaster. This establishes that Baker was in the first wave of early builders to begin the gunbuilding industry within the town.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Joshua Baker (d.1753), son of John Baker, worked in Lancaster Boro as a gunsmith, most likely in his father’s shop. Baker’s will is recorded in the court house records and he is referred to as a gunsmith in this document. Earlier courthouse records list him as a ‘gunbarrelsmith.”

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Lancaster Boro., 1754

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Researcher Sam Dyke traced the evolution of the Baker family of gunsmiths within the county. While no guns made by these men are known to exist, these men are important for they are, very likely, the first gunsmiths to settle within the Lancaster region. In 1717, Robert Baker (d. 1728) and his brother Samuel purchased land near the confluence of the Pequea Creek and Susquehanna River. Soon thereafter, Robert bought out his brother’s share. In 1719, Robert and his son Caleb petitioned Jacob Taylor, the Penns’ Provincial Secretary, to build a shop and mill for “boaring” gun barrels. Permission was granted and work began soon thereafter. Caleb took over the shop when his father died and ran it until 1741.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Samuel Barber was taxed as a gunsmith in Caernovon Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, from 1807-1813.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Lampeter Township, 1777

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1829

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1825-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1808-1841

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1825-1834

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Peter Bear appears on county records as a gunsmith in Warwick Twp., Lancaster Co., from 1840-1850.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Warwick Township, 1840-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1809-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1785

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1770-1773

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1814

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1813-1816

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

John Bender (b. 1782) appears on county records from 1809-1816 as a gunsmith working in the city of Lancaster, PA. In 1809 he was one of a group of gunsmiths, including Jacob Dickert and John Gonter, who sent a letter to the government requesting payment for an overdue account related to guns that the men had built for the army.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Manheim, 1786-1793

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Philip Bender appears in county records as a gunsmith working in the town of Manheim, Lancaster Co., PA, from 1786 through 1793.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Anneville – Now Dauphin, 1772-1790

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lebanon Township, 1800

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lebanon Township, 1807-1810

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Michael Bez was an early gunsmith in Lancaster City and appears on county records in the years 1758-1759.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lebanon Township, 1771

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1776

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lebanon Township, 1807

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1834-1837

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1759-1770

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

C. Breitenherd was an early Lancaster maker, documented as such from the late 1750’s through 1773. He emigrated from Wertheim (Germany)in 1753 where he learned the trade of gunsmithing. He built guns for the Committee of Safety and concurrently ran a tavern in Lancaster City. See Heckert and Vaughn, The Pennsylvania-Kentucky Rifle, 1992.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Martic Township, 1814-1816

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Earl Township, 1828

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1863

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1788-1816

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Peter Brong was a Lancaster County gunsmith who worked during the late 18th and early 19th century. He died in 1817.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Associated with gunsmith Abraham Henry about 1800. Listed in Harrisburg and Lancaster.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1800-1816

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1838-1863

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Earl Township, 1802-1803

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lampeter Township, 1801

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

James Bryan was taxed as a gunsmith in Lampeter Twp., Lancaster County, PA, circa 1800.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1749

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Salisbury Township, 1801

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

James Chambers (1738-1762)appears in county records as early as 1750-1751. He moved north to the banks of the Susquehanna River near present-day Harrisburg (Dauphin Co.)and set up a gunshop on the site of Fort Hunter. During the French and Indian War and Pontiac’s Rebellion, this site was used as a fort, refuge and depot, especially for goods and materiel being transported from Lancaster to Fort Augusta (present-day Shamokin). Chambers was killed by Indians in 1762.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Cocalico Township, 1805

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Little Britain Township, 1816

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Samuel Coldren is listed as a gunsmith in county records from 1838-1850 working in Brecknock Twp., Lancaster Co., PA.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Brecknock Township, 1838-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith-Forger, Cocalico Township, 1834-1835

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunlock Maker, Lancaster Boro., 1759

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Donegal Township, 1801

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Cocalico Township, 1830

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Peter DeHaven appears on county records, listed as a gunsmith working within the boro of Lancaster as early as 1768. DeHaven was also instrumental as a gunpowder maker during the American Revolution, managing a clandestine powder mill near present-day Hummelstown on the Swatara Creek.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1771-1807

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancster Boro, appears in county records, 1803-1819.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Christopher DeMuth is listed as a gunsmith in county records from 1790-1804, working in Lancaster, PA.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1790

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Joseph DeMuth was taxed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro, 1800-1813.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1770-1821

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Born in Germany in 1740. Came to Pennsylvania in 1748 and settled in Lancaster County in 1756. Made rifles during the Revolutionary War and contracted rifles for the State of Pennsylvania. Jacob Dickert died in 1822. According to author and rifle scholar Henry J. Kauffman, Dickert must be considered one of the most influential Lancaster gunsmiths, based not only upon his personal production but also due to his influence upon apprentices and peers in the Lancaster school.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1803

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Andred Dreppert (Dreppard) was taxed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro from 1843-1850.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1849

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

John Dreppert (Dreppard) worked as a gunsmith and gun lock maker in Lancaster and appears on tax records from 1837-1864. Many guns built by other men carry the name Dreppert on the lock.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Lancaster Boro., 1847-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Warwick Township, 1810

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Henry Eberman appears in county records from the year 1810 through 1850. He worked as a gunsmith within Lancaster Boro.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1759

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Abram Eby, gunsmith, Leacock Twp., Lancaster Co., 1781. (Dyke)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Christian Eby is documented in the archives of Sam Dyke as a gunsmith working in Warwick Twp., Lancaster Co., as early as 1768.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

John Eby, gunsmith, Leacock Twp., Lancaster Co., 1801. (Dyke)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843-1844

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

John Eshelman was taxed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro from 1843-1850.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

George F. Fainot was one of Lancaster city’s early gunmakers, appearing on county records from 1779-1803. A first-generation French Huguenot, Fainot’s work is noted for its distinct style while remaining within the general paremeters of the general regional architecture.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Elizabeth Township, 1820-1822

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1796

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Leacock Township, 1758-1775

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Listed as a gunsmith in Strasburg Township, Lancaster County in 1783

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1782

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Joel Ferree was listed as a gunsmith in Leacock Twp., from 1758-1775. A French Huguenot family, the Ferrees were early settlers in Lancaster Co.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

George Fetter is perhaps the best known of a family of related gunsmiths from Elizabeth Twp., Lancaster Co., PA. He was taxed as a gunsmith from 1831-1848. His sons George Jr., and Henry carried on the family business.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

George Fetter, Jr., worked as a gunsmith in the family shop in Elizabeth Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, circa 1840-1850.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Elizabeth Township, 1847-1848

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Elizabeth Township, 1837-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Peter Fetter was listed as a gunsmith in Elizabeth Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, 1837-1850.(Dyke)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1803-1826

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Martic Township, 1811

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Jacob Fondersmith was taxed in 1811 as a gunsmith, working in Martic Twp., Lancaster Co., PA.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Reported to have worked in the village of Strasburg, Pennsylvania, and appears on county records as working within Strasburg Twp., 1779-1803.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1779-1803

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1803

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1779-1824

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

V. Fondersmith, gunsmith, Strasburg Twp., Lancaster Co., PA. Documented in county records, 1779-1803.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1828-1830

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

C. Fordney worked in Lancaster Boro in the mid-19th century. Many of his rifles were percussion ignition guns

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmtih, Lancaster Boro., 1833-1838

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Jacob Fordney worked in Lancaster Boro, circa 1840.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1834-1849

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1807-1847

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Worked in Lancaster in the early 19th century. Murdered by a religious fanatic in 1846. Remembered today as a grand master of the late golden age, Fordney’s work often is seen with deep, bold engraving and beautiful woodcarving which is accomplished by a blend of incised and relief methods.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1836

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

William Foulkes (1737-1812) appears in county records as an early gunsmith working within the city of Lancaster (c. 1759) and later surfaces in Paxton Twp., (now Dauphin Co.) as a gunsmith working near the present-day Fort Hunter, north of Harrisburg on the Susquehanna River. It is likely that he took over the shop of James Chambers at this site. There are no known specimens of Foulkes’ work in existence. See Heckert and Vaughn, The Pennsylvania-Kentucky Rifle, Science Press, 1992

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1759

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, East Cocalico Township, 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1779-1833

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

John Getz was taxed as a gunsmith in the first third of the 19th century, working in Lancaster Boro.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1810

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1849

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Abraham Gibbs worked as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro, circa 1850.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1811-1830

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Henry Gibbs, Jr. (1820-1880) worked with his father in the gunmaking business in Lancaster Boro. He is noted for building percussion firearms of varying quality, some fancy and others purely production guns.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Henry Gibbs, Sr. (d.1843) was taxed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro from 1812 to the time of his death. He built numerous flintlock and percussion guns.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1821

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

William Gibbs, single freeman gunsmith, Lancaster Boro, tax lists 1834, 1840. (Kauffman)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1833-1842

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Benjamin D. Gill (1790-1860) was taxed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro from 1843 through 1850, though it is likely that he was active in the trade prior to 1843. Most of his products were percussion rifles.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1738-1819

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

James D. Gill worked with Jacob Dickert who was his father-in-law. He appears in tax records from 1783-1819, listed as a gunsmith. Extant flintlocks can be found signed “Dickert & Gill.”

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Daniel Gillman, gunsmith, 1779-1812, Donegal Twp., Lancaster Co., PA. (Dyke)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Donegal Township, 1801-1808

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Warwick Township, 1785-1801

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, East Earl Township, 1788

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Columbia, Pa., 1800

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith in Columbia Pennsylvania in 1810. Possibly a brother of Peter Gonter.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Born in 1751. Possibly related through marrage to gunsmith Wolfgang Haga. Died 1818

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1773-1819

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Lock Maker, Lancaster Boro., 1759

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Also listed as John Groff and John Grave. Listed as a gunsmith in the 1770’s, made rifles for the government. Associated with Jacob Dickert and Peter Gunter. Gunsmith during and shortly after the Revolutionary War.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1773

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

George Greaff has been documented to have been a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro, PA, in the 1780’s.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1785-1786

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1772-1802

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1807-1809

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, West Earl Township, 1847

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1802-1811

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

John Guest was taxed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro in the first decade of the 19th century. In addition to classic longrifles he manufactured 1808 contract rifles for the government. His name appears on original sales manifests for these guns along with the other important makers of this period from Lancaster and York.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

A. Gumpf, gunsmith, Lancaster Boro, worked circa 1829-1849.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Christian Gumpf appears in county records as a gunsmith from 1800 through 1843. He built 1809 contract rifles and produced well-made flintlocks for the commercial trade.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Christopher Gumpf (b. 1761) worked as a gunsmith from 1791 through 1834 in Lancaster Boro. He built fine flintlocks in the classic Lancaster form, and also made contract rifles for the government in 1794.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith George Gumpf appears on county tax lists as working in Lancaster Boro, 1825-1849.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Henry Gumpf, gunsmith, Lancaster Boro, appears in court records, 1814-1843.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Jacob Gumpf (d. 1843) is listed as a gunsmith in county records as early as 1814. He worked within the boro or Lancaster.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Mathias Gumpf appears in county records from 1789-1793, Lancaster Boro. Worked as gunsmith

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

A member of the third generation of the Gumpf family to build rifles within Lancaster Boro, Michael worked in the 1840’s. (Dyke)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1829-1849

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1800-1834

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1825-1849

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1814-1843

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1814-1816

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1789-1793

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1789-1797

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Jacob Haeffer was one of the important early gunsmiths within the boro of Lancaster, active from the Revolutionary period through 1822. He built excellent flintlock longrifles; some exist today with 4-piece patcboxes with daisy finials, typifying the classic Lancaster form. He was one of the cartel of Lancaster and York makers who supplied contract arms to the government. He was the master of C. Siple.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1803-1822

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

John Haeffer, brother of Jacob, was taxed as a gunsmith in 1803 in Lancaster, PA.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1803

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Also spelled Hage and Hagi. Listed as a gunsmith in the 1800 Cocalico Township tax list.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1796-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Isaac Haines was a grand master of the Lancaster school. He was taxed as a gunsmith in Lampeter Twp., Lancaster Co., from 1772 to 1792. As with all antiques from this period, genuine specimens are rare. Some of his guns present beautifully engraved 4-piece patchboxes and beautiful woodcarving featuring three Rococo C-scrolls.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lampeter Towinship 1772-1793

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Paxton Township, 1777-1781

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Henry Harris appears in county records as a gunsmith from 1777-1781, working in Paxton Twp. This area became part of Dauphin County in 1785.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1779

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Abraham Henry (1728-1811, son of William Henry, Sr., trained in Nazareth and then built guns in Lancaster. He was an important maker of government contract arms, one of a cartel of makers from Lancaster and York who supplied the military with arms, and a builder of fine flintlock longrifles.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1797-1811

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Salisbury Township, 1747

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1770-1772

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1759-1770

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Warwick Township, 1780 (Later Nazareth)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1794

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Christian Hess, gunsmith, Lancaster Boro, 1794. (Dyke)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1835-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

John Hildenbeitel was listed as a gunsmith from 1835-1850 in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster Co., PA (Dyke)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith in Strasburg Pennsylvania.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1800-1831

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Mathias Hoak, Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro, 1802-1814. (Dyke)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1802-1814

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1807-1811

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

J. Holeman, gunsmith, Lancaster boro, taxed 1814, 1816. (Kauffman, 1960)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1807-1819

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1815-1832

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1750 (Deed Book C)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, East Earl Township, 1788

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Upper Leacock Township, 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

George Howeter, gunsmith, Lampeter Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, circa 1820-1827. Other family members worked as gun barrel forgers in Upper Leacock at a later date. (Dyke)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lampeter Township, 1820-1827

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Upper Leacock Township, 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Manheim Township, 1848-1849

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Heidleberg Township, 1759 (Also Doctor)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Benedict Imhoff (c. 1750-1800) was one of the earliest gunmakers of the Dauphin region. While the earliest record of his name places him in Heidelberg Twp., later documents put him in Middletown. All of this region was part of Lancaster Co. prior to the formation of Dauphin County in 1785.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1778 (Narr’s Record)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1759

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Peter Ish is listed in county records as being a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro as early as 1759. (Dyke)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1838

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1863

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1759

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1802-1803

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Stock Maker, West Earl Township, 1849-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Stock Maker, West Earl Township, 1863

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Stock Maker, West Earl Township, 1792-1793

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1837-1838

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1770-1783

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1799-1807

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1799-1807

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Lockmaker, Lancaster Boro., 1759

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1837-1843

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lebanon Township, 1783-1785

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1834-1885

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Isaac LeFever was one of the county’s earliest established gunamkers. He appears in county records as early as 1731 working out of Lampeter Township.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lampeter Township, 1731-1736

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Philip LeFever, son of Isaac, carried on the Lampeter gunmaking business established by his father. He has been documented as working in the 1755-1770 time period.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lampeter Township, 1756-1700

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1849-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1842-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Brecknock Township, 1843-1846

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

S. Dyke lists Matthew Llewellyn as being taxed as a gunsmith from 1792-1802, working within the boro of Lancaster, PA.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1792-1802

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1842

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Conestoga Township, 1751-1806

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

John Lyne was one of Lancaster County’s early gunsmiths, working in the from the latter part of the 18th century up to 1805. His shop was in Conestoga Township.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Brecknock Township, 1847

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Michael Martin paid taxes as a gunsmith from 1820 to 1839 in Brecknock Twp., Lancaster Co., PA. It is likely that he worked beyond 1839, perhaps as late as 1850. Martin built guns in the early manner, substantial yet well proportioned and graceful, often with 4-piece brass patchboxes.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Brecknock Township, 1811-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Brecknock Township, 1847-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith-Lockmaker, Lancaster Boro., 1759

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1838-1849

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1802-1803

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Rapho Township, 1759-1790

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, W. Hempfield Township, 1822

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Colerain Township, 1826-1846

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

William McCune is identified as a gunsmith in county records working out of Colerain Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, circa 1826-1846.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1809

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

George Messersmith was an active gunsmith working out of Lancaster Boro in the 1802-1814 era.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1814

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Henry Messesmith was the patriarch of a multi-generation gunmaking family in Lancaster. He appears in county records as early as 1747, placing him in the category of being one of the earliest makers.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1779-1810

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Jacob Messersmith was an early maker of flintlock longrifles in Lancaster Boro. He appears on tax records for the years 1779-1810.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Smith, Elizabeth Township, 1837-1843

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1754-1777

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Lock Maker, Lancaster Boro., 1814-1816

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Lock Maker, Lancaster Boro., 1814

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1812

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1841

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1811

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1842-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Conestoga Township, 1773

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Sam Dyke located no fewer than three John Millers, all of whom were gunsmiths within Lancaster Boro in the 18th and/or 19th centuries. It appears that a John and John Jr., worked as a team from 1771. Records do not exist for John beyond 1789, though John Jr. continues to appear on tax records until 1803. In 1863 another John Miller appears in county records listed as a gunsmith working within the Boro.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1771-1789

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1863

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1771-1803

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1863

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Lock Maker, Lancaster Boro., 1814-1840

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1841-1847

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1751 (Deed Book C)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Donegal Township, 1817

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1863

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Manor Township, 1847-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Lampeter Township, (Only proof is inventory, 1751

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1809-1832

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1826

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1761

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Abram Newcomer surfaces in documentation as early as 1761 as a gunsmith working out of Lancaster Boro.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Hempfield Township, 1802

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

A father and son, both named John Newcomer, both worked in Lancaster County. The father was reportedly making guns as early as 1767. The elder John Newcomer died in the 1780’s.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Hempfield Township, 1780-1783

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Hempfield Township, 1779-1780

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Hempfield Township 1789

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Christian Oberholtzer, gunsmith, Hempfield Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, 1798. Christian Jr., same location, 1802. (Dyke)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Hempfield Township 1802

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Lock Maker, Lancaster Boro., 1759

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Daniel Pannebecker was a gunsmith working in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster Co., in the 1828-1831 era.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Cocalico Township 1828-1831

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Jess Pannebecker worked as a gunsmith in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster Co., and appears in county records from 1826-1834.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1833-1838

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Brecknock Township, 1826-1834

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Samuel Pannebecker was taxed as a gunsmith in Brecknock Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, from 1828-1844.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Brecknock Township 1828-1844

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Cocalico Township, 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Anneville – Now Dauphin, 1800-1807

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Manheim Township, 1811

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Heidleburg Township, 1772

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Conestoga Township, 1770-1780

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Donegal Township, 1811-1839

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1774

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1782-1786

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Martic Township, 1796-1798

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Lockmaker, Lnacaster Boro., 1759

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1779-1781

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

George Reichenbach worked in Lancaster Boro in the late period and appears on tax lists c.1850. His set of tools is held by the Museum of American Culture in Hershey, PA.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Paxton Township, 1754-1777

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Conestoga Township, 1779-1790

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1838-1847

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1836-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Name also listed in the records as, Roesser, Roesor, Roeser, Resser, Reser and Reasor. Listed in Lancaster County Pennsylvania until 1790 and then in Washington County Maryland. Died in Lancaster in 1823.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Elizabeth Township, 1839-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1759-1770

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Mathias Roessor (Roeser) was listed as a gunsmith in the 1759-1770 circa. He was one of the patriarchs of the Lancaster school of gunbuilding. A memorial plaque was erected by the Commonwealth in 2000 in Lancaster which reads: Mathias Roeser…Here from 1740-1771 lived one of colonial America’s most important gunsmiths. His work was central to the development of the Pennsylvania rifle. Other family members, and an apprentice, William Henry, Sr., became leading gunsmiths and supplied arms to the patriot cause in the Revolution.”

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Smith, Elizabeth Township, 1830-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Earl Township, 1820

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lampeter Township, 1777

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Township, 1793

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

John Schreit is listed as a gunsmith in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster Co., as early as 1777. (Dyke)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Abraham Schweitzer is listed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro in the mid-19th century. He was the brother-in-law to gunsmith Melchior Fordney.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Martic Township, 1803-1808

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Elizabeth Township, 1800-1813

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Lived in Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County. Died in 1812.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1797-1803

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1802-1803

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1788

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1823-1833

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Heidleberg Township, 1770-1774

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Paxton Township, 1779-1782

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1838-1839

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1763. Casper (Deed Book H) Shreid.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1810-1811

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1788-1814

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Smith, W. Cocalico Township, 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Smith, E. Cocalico Township, 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1794-1854

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1814-1819

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Derry Township, 1757. (Will Book B – Page 325)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1839-1854

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1759

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1849 (Brother-in-Law to M. Fordney)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

D. Sweitzer was listed on tax records as a locksmith in Lancaster Boro as early as 1829. Although he may not have built guns, his signed locks appear on many rifles built in and around Lancaster. Some can be found with the “Z” reversed in the name.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Locksmith, Lancaster Boro., 1829

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Leacock Township, 1785-1802

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Elizabeth Township, 1847-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1829-1830

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Lock Maker, Lancaster Boro., 1814-1841

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1807-1840

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

John Walker, Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro, 1780-1807. (Dyke)

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1820-1830

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Jonestown, 1771-1779

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gun Barrel Forger, Elizabeth Township, 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Listed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Borough between 1802 and 1821.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1800-1848

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Manor Township, 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Little Britain Township, 1840

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843-1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Leacock Township, 1780-1810

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1758

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Michael Withers was an early maker in Lancaster County, working out of Strasburg Twp. in from the 1750’s; then his nephew (also Michael) was active in the trade in Lancaster Boro, circa 1786-1813, reported Sam and Mary Dyke in 1969.

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1786-1813

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1837

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lebanon Township, 1779-1785

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)

Gunsmith, Lancaster Borough, 1813-1819.