Author: KR Foundation

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 […]

Swobe, Adam

Post author By KR Foundation
Post date May 23, 2025
Categories In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Riflemakers

School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA) Gunsmith, Leacock Township, 1785-1802

Fiske, Alba

Post author By KR Foundation
Post date May 23, 2025
Categories In Pennsylvania, Riflemakers, Western Pennsylvania

School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA) No biographical information available.

Whitmore, Wolff, Duff, and Company

Post author By KR Foundation
Post date May 23, 2025
Categories In Pennsylvania, Riflemakers, Western Pennsylvania

School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA) (Hardware dealer) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1858-72)

Hoffman, George

Post author By KR Foundation
Post date May 23, 2025
Categories In Pennsylvania, Riflemakers, Western Pennsylvania

School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA) No biographical information available.

Henry, John Joseph

Post author By KR Foundation
Post date May 23, 2025
Categories In Northampton/Lehigh, Pennsylvania, Riflemakers

School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA) J. J. Henry (1786-1836), Son of William Henry, Jr., was a gunsmith in Nazareth and, with his father and brother William III, worked the boring mill at Jacobsburg and built the rifle factory at Boulton. The family was active in supplying militia arms, guns for the Indian trade, and a commercial line […]

Derringer, Henry, Jr.

Post author By KR Foundation
Post date May 23, 2025
Categories In Northampton/Lehigh, Pennsylvania, Riflemakers

School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA) Henry Derringer, Jr., was taxed as a gunsmith between 1794-1798 in Easton, Northampton Co., PA

Shell, Martin Sr.

Post author By KR Foundation
Post date May 23, 2025
Categories In Lebanon/Dauphin, Pennsylvania, Riflemakers

School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA) Martin Shell, Sr. (1737-1796) built both Committee of Safety muskets for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and flintlock rifles. He was an early influence in the Dauphin school and the patriarch of three generations of fine gunbuilders within Dauphin County. Shell was taxed as a gunsmith in Paxton Township.