










A CATALOGUE _of_
EARLY PENNSYLVANIA
_and other_
FIREARMS _and_ EDGED
WEAPONS

_at_

"RESTLESS OAKS"
McELHATTAN, PA.

[Illustration]

_Collected by_
HENRY W. SHOEMAKER
Lieut. Col., Res., U. S. A.

_Compiled by_
H. BEAM PIPER, _of Altoona, Pa._

       *       *       *       *       *

[Illustration: THE LAST OF THE PENNSYLVANIA WAYSIDE GUNSMITHS BUSLER
BROTHERS, CLINTON COUNTY, PA.
(Frontispiece)]




_"Aerataeque Micant Peltae, Micat Aereus Ensis."_

            --VIRGIL, Aen. VIII, 743

DEDICATED TO THE PENNSYLVANIA FOLK-LORE SOCIETY,
BY THE COMPILER




CONTENTS

                                                                  PAGE
THE SHOEMAKER COLLECTION OF EARLY PENNSYLVANIA AND
OTHER FIREARMS AND EDGED WEAPONS. RIFLES, MUSKETS
AND OTHER SHOULDER WEAPONS.                                         1

PISTOLS AND REVOLVERS.                                             12

THE SETH NELSON GROUP OF EARLY PENNSYLVANIA HUNTING EQUIPMENT.     19

EDGED WEAPONS, POLEARMS, CLUBS, ETC.                               23

ACCESSORIES, ETC.                                                  31

A PARTIAL CATALOGUE OF THE PIPER COLLECTION. (ALTOONA, PA.)        38




[Illustration]

INTRODUCTION


For years this writer's aim was to visualize the armed Pennsylvanian
of earlier days; how he went forth to fight his Indian foe, to slay
the bison, moose, elk and smaller game, and on his expeditions to the
fields of love: where his firearms and edged weapons originated. To
create the living man his arms must be secured, and gradually the
present collection was assembled. And he lived again, dark, grim,
bearded, the spirit of lofty pines and hemlocks among which he spent
his days, always plotting to kill something. Many of the arms, if they
could speak, what tales of war, the chase, and love adventure they
could tell! The Pennsylvania woodsman was filled with the romance of
slaughter, a heritage of mingled Continental origins, Huguenot,
Spanish, Portuguese, Swiss, Waldensian, Levantine, with the strains of
Ulster Scot, Alsatian, Palatine, Hollander and Moravian, cooling cross
currents in his veins. No wonder that the women of this blended race
were the most darkly beautiful in the world, and a group of the
curious edged weapons they carried to destroy men who annoyed them
might well be the subject of another separate collection. But the arms
stacked in silent panoply, or the daggers, dirks and powder flasks,
would not suffice to give the collection the answer to the questions
it involved. Along with a group of daring Alpinists to "Restless Oaks"
came H. Beam Piper, of Altoona, Pa., a modern master-of-arms, who
patiently set to work to describe the collection from its oldest to
its newest examples. As the results of his intelligent energy and
research the following catalogue has been prepared which gives us the
skeleton figure of the armed Pennsylvania mountain man, from the
frontier days until later and more prosaic times ensued. While many of
the arms listed are in imperfect condition and some of the more
important ones are lacking, they give the idea of his times. Other
pieces of later periods, and a few of foreign use, are included for
purposes of comparison. To these are added Mr. Piper's catalogue of
his own collection, all in perfect order, to show similar types of
weapons at their best. While, as stated, there are many specimens
missing, these vacancies emphasize the wide range of weapons used by
the old-time Pennsylvanians. The frequent wars kept bringing new types
of arms into the wilderness and new ideas for weapons among the
woodsmen themselves, and this was most noteworthy after the Civil War,
which was also the end of the grand romantic period of the
Pennsylvania wilderness. The mountaineer of Pennsylvania was of
martial blood, his ancestors had fought in every state of Continental
Europe--and the science of armorer was his birthright. David Lewis,
the "Galloping Jack" or highwayman of Central Pennsylvania, used new
pistols every year, and weapons which he is said to have carried are
as plentiful as Ole Bull's violins. The frontiersmen of British
origins always named their favorite rifles "My Friend," "My Brother,"
"Sure Shot," "Confidence," "Never Fail," "Carry My Wish," "Kill Deer,"
and "Kill Buck," and cherished them almost as living things. Many of
them camped out at the wayside gunshops until a specially ordered
weapon was begun and finished, so as to supervise every detail of its
fabrication. Quaint and full of historic lore were these mystic
wayside shrines of arms, which are alas with a few exceptions no more.
Billy de Shera's on Larry's Creek near Jersey Shore instilled the love
of arms in several generations of mountain boys, and the last gunshops
in existence, those of Seth Nelson, Jr., near Round Island, Clinton
County, and David C. Busler, near Collomsville, Lycoming County, have
had arms loving pilgrims of note from all over the State to learn the
last dying secrets of the Kentucky rifles, which, despite their name,
were mostly made in Pennsylvania. Often the backwoods arms enthusiast
would insist that the shutters be closed and the smith's work carried
on by candle-light, lest a passing hechs cast a glance upon the
barrel, which would ever afterward be deprived of the power to kill.
The proud owner of a cherished gun would never leave it near a hechs,
lest she run her cold trembling hand along the barrel and forever
destroy its accuracy. There were also spells or pow-wowing to make a
gun shoot perfectly, and these were put on before a foe was to be
removed, and more especially with the heavy rifles used at shooting
matches. Needles and papers written full of incantations were slipped
under the barrels where they joined the stocks to keep away the
witches. The writer has seen Robert Covenhoven's rifle with thirteen
notches on the under side of the stock. His scalping-knife has seven
notches, where this merciless scalp-hunter enumerated his red victims
prior to collecting the scalp bounty at Harris' Ferry. The Covenhoven
rifle was latterly owned by the old deer-hunter Miller Day, of English
Centre, Lycoming County, but is now in Philadelphia, while the knife
is at the James V. Brown Library, Williamsport, together with his
Ketland pistol. As symbols of a bolder and broader day the firearms of
backwoods Pennsylvania will always exercise a peculiar charm,
typifying as they do the period of trackless forests, Indians,
panthers, wolves, unbridled romance. Also, that strangely picturesque
period of the Civil War, when the sharp-shooting Pennsylvania mountain
boys (and older ones) went forth to snip; for did not Jake Karstetter,
of Sugar Valley, Clinton County, enlist as 37 when he was 57 and
compass the death of seven Confederate general officers? Notched on
the walnut stock of his favorite weapon, the work of Henry Barner, a
wayside Sugar Valley gunsmith, were seven sets of minute carvings in
the form of collar insignias in all the grades from a Lieutenant
General to a Lieutenant Colonel. And when they led him haltered
through the streets of Richmond they labelled him "a wild Yankee from
the North," because of his unshorn hair and beard, which he swore he
would not cut until he had "set Jeff Davis cold." It is a pity that
the science of ancient arms is not more popular in inland
Pennsylvania, and that more of the curious specimens of arms have not
been retained, but were allowed to be shipped away to collectors
elsewhere before their local value was recognized. It is with a hope
that it may stimulate other collectors at home to assemble ancient
weapons before it is too late that this catalogue has been published.
It is as a fragment, and not as a complete collection, but it puts
before the reader the picture of an arms loving race, in the glorious
ante-mollycoddle age, which was the golden age of Pennsylvania
manhood. But in truth there has been very little, if any, decline,
when one thinks of the valor of the boys of the 28th, the 79th and
other outfits where Pennsylvanians were most in evidence in the World
War. Many of these had old Civil War grandfathers, who could tell of
Fredericksburg or Petersburg, of how earlier they barked squirrels on
tall hardwood trees, or shot into the flocks of wild pigeons "which
darkened the sun" in their great flights. And to welcome in the
"apostolic succession" of arms new lovers among our boys, even the
least of them, this collection stands catalogued, thanks to Mr.
Piper's perseverance. It is an invitation and appeal to carry on all
that is boldest, bravest and best of that fearless company that bore
their spears along the dark warpaths of obscurity, and stacked them on
the campgrounds of eternal night.

            HENRY W. SHOEMAKER.
"Restless Oaks,"
McElhattan, Pa., July 30, 1927.




[Illustration]

THE SHOEMAKER COLLECTION OF EARLY PENNSYLVANIA
AND OTHER FIREARMS AND EDGED WEAPONS.
RIFLES, MUSKETS AND OTHER SHOULDER WEAPONS.


1. EXTREMELY HEAVY SHARPSHOOTER'S OR TARGET RIFLE. L. 52-1/2"

Full length stock with small cheek-piece and flattened at muzzle for
shooting from a rest. Weight, about 40 lbs. .50 Cal. Double set
triggers. Rare. Flintlock. Made by Pennebacker, Berks County.

2. PERCUSSION TARGET RIFLE. L. 47-3/4"

Octagon barrel, half stock, small brass patch-box, brass and German
silver mountings. Peep-and-globe sights, rear sight missing. Fitted
with false muzzle for loading. Lock marked "Warranted". About .38 cal.
Complete with tin box containing all original accessories, mould,
bullet-starter, patch cutter, combination screwdriver and nipple
wrench, patches, tow for cleaning, etc. Rare with original
accessories. This is the type of gun used at the old-time "turkey
shoots." Made in Berks County, for John Lebo, of Clinton County.

3. DOUBLE BREECH-LOADING SHOTGUN. L. 48"

Side-lever action. Fitted with rifle sights for shooting round balls.
Mark on lock, "Wm. Moore & Co." On barrel, "Fine Laminated Steel".
12-bore.

4. VERY SHORT PERCUSSION GUN. L. 36-1/2"

Full length black walnut stock. Iron ramrod. About 60 Cal. No marks.
Probably used for hunting buffalo.

5. KENTUCKY RIFLE. L. 57"

Percussion. Stock originally full length, but has been shortened
11-1/2 inches. Brass mounts and long brass patch-box. Ramrod missing.
About .36 Cal.

6. OLD AND BADLY BATTERED FOWLING PIECE. L. 57"

Lock gone. A cheap gun when new.

7. HEAVY KENTUCKY RIFLE. L. 56"

Curley maple stock and brass mountings, including long brass
patch-box. Fairly good order.

8. SMALL-BORE PERCUSSION FOWLING PIECE. L. 59"

This gun is of the cheapest sort, with painted stock of some soft
wood. Guns of this kind were sold by Indian traders and by country
merchants to farmers' boys and others unable to afford better arms.
Due to the almost uniform abuse which these weapons received, this
specimen, which is in good condition, is somewhat of a rarity. Mark on
lock, "Henry Parker, Warranted".

9. U. S. ARMY MUSKET, 1822 MODEL. L. 57-1/2"

Altered to percussion by Government system of screwing on new breech.
Mexican and Civil War service possible. Good order.

10. DOUBLE OVER-AND-UNDER PERCUSSION RIFLE. L. 47-1/2"

Rigid barrels and two locks. No marks. Ramrod and trigger-guard
missing. Small round patch-box, and German silver figure of spread
eagle inset in cheek piece.

11. SHORT PERCUSSION RIFLE. L. 49"

This rifle is of the type used on the plains, period of 1845-'50 and
in Pennsylvania period of 1850-90. No marks. Long brass patch-box.
About .44 Cal. Fairly good condition.

12. SHORT KENTUCKY RIFLE. L. 48-1/2"

Stock has been broken and repaired several times and the whole gun is
crudely made and was evidently the work of an unskilled local
gunsmith. Without doubt, this is an authentic Pennsylvania Mountain
relic. Now a smooth-bore.

13. CUT-DOWN KENTUCKY RIFLE. L. 45"

Barrel has been smooth-bored and stock shortened to half-length. Rear
sight of peculiar and artistic design. This was at one time a very
fine gun, and has several interesting features.

14. U. S. ARMY MUSKET, MODEL OF 1822. L. 57-1/2"

Has been varnished all over and is in good condition, but hammer is
missing.

15. PERCUSSION KENTUCKY RIFLE. L. 52"

Brass mounted, with considerable brass and silver inlay. Good
condition. Maker's name illegible, but "Philadelphia", on lock can be
easily made out. Probably a Tryon.

16. SPRINGFIELD MUSKET. L. 55"

Model of 1861, caliber .58, percussion. Marks on lock, "U. S.
Springfield. 1862." Good condition, with original bayonet. Gift of
General F. D. Beary, The Adjutant General, N. G. P., Harrisburg, Pa.

17. TWO U. S. SPRINGFIELD ARMY RIFLES. L. 52"

Model of 1884. Fitted with ramrod bayonets. In the best of condition,
like new. Gift of Gen'l F. D. Beary.

17A. Another, which has seen considerable service. Formerly the
property of Jacob Bierly, a famous early Pennsylvania hunter.

18. KENTUCKY RIFLE. L. 55"

Stock shortened to half-length and smooth-bored. The maker of this gun
imported his lock from England, as it is stamped "London, Warranted".
Percussion.

19. U. S. MUSKET, 1822 MODEL. L. 53"

Altered to percussion by a rare and rather crude civilian method, and
barrel shortened to the end of the forestock. Evidently used by some
mountaineer soldier and retained at the end of his military service as
a sporting arm. A Kentucky type rear sight has been added and other
changes have been made. _This gun is not reliable as a source of
information on U. S. military arms_, owing to its numerous
alterations.

20. GERMAN-AMERICAN TARGET RIFLE. L. 45"

Beautifully checkered stock, octagon barrel. No ramrod, nor is the gun
provided with fittings for one. In the best of condition. Almost new.
This gun was made for use by a member of some early German "Scheutzen"
rifle club, period of 1855-'75. Mark on lock, "Rein, New York".

21. DOUBLE OVER-AND-UNDER RIFLE. L. 43"

Patch-box gone, and rear sight not original and badly used. No marks.

22. FRENCH CHASSEPOT ARMY RIFLE. L. 51"

Marks, "Manufacture Chatellerault. _Mle_ 1866". Almost perfect. May be
a Franco-Prussian War weapon.

23. GERMAN BOAR RIFLE. L. 43"

Heavy octagon barrel, sliding wooden cover box in stock containing
worm, sling-swivels, bayonet-stud. This gun has a most excellent
adjustable rear sight, and is in splendid order. Caliber, about .70.

24. REMINGTON ARMY RIFLE. L.

Rider system action. .50-70. Good.

25. U. S. KRAG RIFLE. L. 49"

1898 Model. Five shots, .30-40 Cal. New condition.

26. REMINGTON CARBINE, CAL., .50-70. L 37-1/2"

27. SHARP'S CIVIL WAR CARBINE. L. 39"

Model of 1859. Good. With Lawrence primer magazine and patch-box in
stock.

28. DOUBLE OVER-AND-UNDER RIFLE. L. 49"

Good order. Round patch-box. German silver figure of deer inlaid on
cheek-piece. No marks. Good.

29. PERCUSSION BUFFALO RIFLE. L. 32"

Some illegible lettering on barrel, which is octagon and extremely
heavy. Ramrod under barrel. Stock extends only to breech and is inlaid
with German silver. Extremely rare. This type was used on the western
plains, 1840-'55.

30. U. S. FLINTLOCK MUSKET. L. 58"

Model of 1798. Cheek-piece hollowed into stock. Complete with flint
and ramrod and in fine shooting condition. Mark, "J. Henry, Phila."

31. FLINTLOCK KENTUCKY RIFLE. L. 56-1/2"

Curley maple stock. Brass mounts, including long patch-box. Original
striped ramrod, which has been re-tipped with an exploded pistol
cartridge. This gun has been restored, though so skillfully as to pass
for original condition. Fine shooting order. Mark on lockplate,
"Tryon, Philada."

32. U. S. 1822 MODEL ARMY MUSKET. L. 57-1/4"

Altered to percussion, apparently by civilian gunsmith. Good
condition.

33. DOUBLE PERCUSSION SHOTGUN. L. 46-1/2"

About 12-bore. Back action locks. No marks. Has been abused.

34. DOUBLE PERCUSSION SHOTGUN. L. 46"

Stock cracked and both locks and one nipple gone.

35. PERCUSSION KENTUCKY RIFLE. L. 55"

Inoperative and both sights gone, otherwise good. No marks.

36. "MULE-EAR" DOUBLE SHOTGUN. L. 49"

Superposed barrels. Side action lock. Two ramrods, both original.
Working order. 12-bore. Very rare. No marks.

37. OVER-AND-UNDER RIFLE. L. 50-1/2"

One lock, barrels revolving by hand. Mark on lock, "Jos. Golgher,
Phila." On plate opposite lock, "I. L. Beck." This rifle was once the
property of Imanuel Beck, a noted Sugar Valley hunter, and has
probably killed much big game. A rare and historic piece, in the best
of condition. (These double rifles with revolving barrels are much
rarer than the rigid type.) This gun was not made by Golcher, as he
made and furnished to other makers more locks than he made rifles. It
was his custom to stamp his name on the barrels of his own guns.

38. WINCHESTER REPEATING RIFLE. 30-in. Barrel.

Model of 1873. .38-40 Cal. Good order.

39. U. S. ARMY MUSKET. L. 55"

1808 Model. This specimen has been fitted with a Civil War type rear
sight, evidently having been issued in 1862, when arms were scarce.
Initials "L. H." cut in stock, while brass plate is marked "J. E. S."
Sling-strap not original and jaw-screw is obviously home-made, with
square head. Several inches have been cut off of barrel. This gun is
not reliable as a source of data on U. S. military arms. A curious
mountaineer gun, in fine order.

40. "ZULU" SHOTGUN. L. 50-1/2"

Made from old French army rifle. These guns were sold in great
quantities to the poorer farmers in Pennsylvania. In the stock is a
small piece of wood which was blessed by the French priests and placed
in the stock at the arsenal. It was supposed to insure accuracy. A
curious outcropping of medieval superstition in modern times.

41. CIVIL WAR AUSTRIAN PURCHASE CARBINE. L. 30-1/2"

"During the first part of the Civil War the United States purchased a
great quantity of these arms, and before their worthlessness became
apparent a considerable number was issued. The calibre of most of them
was .75; the rifling was very deep; the recoil and trajectory were
abnormal, and accuracy of shooting was conspicuous by
absence."--Sawyer, "Our Rifles." Page 235.

42. MOORISH SNAPHAUNCE GUN. L. 62-1/2"

Captured from Riff tribesmen early in 1920. A fine specimen of its
type, inlaid with ivory and showing native repair-work. This is a
genuine snaphaunce, not to be confused with the Spanish or Moorish
Miguelet or outside-lock flintlock. Rare.

43. SHARP & HANKINS CIVIL WAR CARBINE. L. 39"

This is the Navy type, though the leather jacket is missing from the
barrel. Rare.

44. VOLCANIC CARBINE. L. 35"

The forerunner of the Henry and the Winchester. Finely polished walnut
stock and engraved brass receiver, the latter showing traces of
silver plating. Used hollow-bore bullets which contained powder and
cap. Good condition and excessively rare.

45. U. S. 1863 MODEL ARMY MUSKET. L. 55"

Good condition, with sling-strap.

46. LONG FLINTLOCK FOWLING PIECE.

Good condition, but lacks ramrod.

47. ORIENTAL FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS. L. 21"

Some traces of checkering on stock and damascening on barrel,
otherwise plain.

48. ORIENTAL FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS. L. 21"

A much more ornate piece than the preceeding. The stock is carved and
the metal parts engraved. Dummy ramrod carved into stock. English
lock.


PISTOLS AND REVOLVERS.

49. DOUBLE BARREL IRISH PERCUSSION POCKET PISTOL. L. 6-1/2"

Superposed barrels, revolving by hand. Disappearing trigger.
Mark:--"Kavanaugh, Dublin".

50. MARSTON 3-BARREL PISTOL. L. 7"

Breech-loading, .32 calibre. Indicator on right side of frame.
Inoperative, but in good condition otherwise.

51. FIVE-SHOT MANHATTAN ARMS CO. PEPPERBOX. L. 5-1/2"

A close replica of the Allen. In excellent condition. .31 Cal.

52. SMALL PHILADELPHIA DERRINGER. L.

Checkered grip, cap-box in butt. A facsimile of the pistol used by J.
Wilkes Booth to assassinate Abraham Lincoln.

53. COOPER FIVE-SHOT REVOLVER. L. 10"

Percussion. Double action, .31 Cal. This is the early Pittsburg
revolver, not to be confused with arms of the same type made at
Philadelphia. Rare. Resembles the Colt 1849 Model, except that trigger
is in center of trigger-guard.

54. PECULIAR DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER. L. 5"

Percussion. Similar in action to a pepperbox. Marked "Ell's Patent."
The cataloguer has never before seen a pistol of this type. Good
condition. .31 Cal. Purchased in a Philadelphia pawn-shop, and said to
be a favorite arm of the Negroes in that city at one time.

55. REID'S "MY FRIEND" KNUCKLE-DUSTER.

Seven shots, .22 Cal. Good order, except that cylinder does not
revolve.

56. ANOTHER.

Similar except for a slight difference of engraving and a catch under
cylinder.

57. UNDERHAMMER PISTOL. L. 11-1/2"

Has seen rough service. No marks.

58. DOUBLE BARREL PERCUSSION PISTOL. L. 8"

Broken, rusty and with all working parts except one spring missing.
Barrels side by side.

59. TINY .22 PISTOL. L. 4-1/2"

One of the lightest pistols the cataloguer has ever seen. These
ineffectual weapons are sold in large numbers on the waterfront of
Genoa, where the owner acquired this specimen.

60. HEAVY DOUBLE BARREL PERCUSSION PISTOL. L. 11-1/2"

Superposed barrels, two hammers and nipples. Bronze frame and steel
barrels. About 10-bore. Excellent condition. Evidently French, though
it was bought in a Philadelphia pawn-shop.

61. DERRINGER POCKET RIFLE. L. (over all) 28"

Shoulder-stock attached. Quite similar in design to the ordinary
pocket Derringer, but has a long barrel (octagon), a ramrod and ramrod
rib. Peep rear sight. Front sight missing. Very rare. In good
condition.

62. PAIR OF ENGLISH POCKET PISTOLS. L. 6"

Silver butt-plates, silver lion-masque butt-caps, much of original
blueing remains. In the best of condition. Mark, "Doody". From
Krider's Gunshop, Philadelphia.

63. OLD PINFIRE REVOLVER L. 7-1/2"

64. FINE SILVER-MOUNTED TURKISH PISTOL. L. 18"

Barrel and lock of English manufacture, the later having a sliding
safety and being stamped "Mortimer", but the rest is Turkish. Stock is
of some dark, hard Oriental wood, probably olive, and is covered with
fine silver-wire inlay. All mountings are of silver, beautifully
sculptured and engraved and bear curious Turkish hallmarks. As the
ramrods for these pistols were carried about the neck to facilitate
loading on horseback, they were frequently made without ramrods
attached. This pistol, like the following one, is furnished with a
dummy or imitation rod. English proof-marks on barrel. Gold
breech-band. In the best of possible condition and a really beautiful
specimen. From the Austin collection.

65. SILVER-MOUNTED ARABIAN FLINTLOCK PISTOL. L. 16"

Mountings entirely of silver. Stock covered with silver inlay in wire,
dot and leaf-and-flower design. Arabian armorer's marks in gold on
barrel. Fine. From the Austin collection.

66. FRENCH ARMY PISTOL, MODEL OF 1777. L. 13-1/2"

Flintlock. Calibre, 11/16 inch. Mark on lock, "Mauberge". This pistol
may have come to this country with Lafayette's expedition. It has been
neatly though incorrectly restored and is hence unreliable as a
source of information.

67. COLT PERCUSSION REVOLVER, CAL. .31. L. 10"

1849 Model, five shot, bright finish, trigger-guard and back-strap
silvered. Mark, "Address Samuel Colt, etc." Note the absence of title
"Col." in mark. Rare with this omission. Good order.

68. U. S. PERCUSSION ARMY PISTOL, Model of 1842. L. 14"

Marks on lockplate illegible, but enough can be deciphered to show
that it was made by H. Aston, of Middleton, Conn. Ramrod not original,
and swivel is missing, but otherwise the pistol is in good shooting
order.

69. UNUSUAL SET OF DEVISME REVOLVERS.

Contained in ebony case, 13" × 7", lined with purple velvet. Fitted
compartments, containing a large six-shot belt revolver of Devisme's
invention, about .45 calibre, a seven-shot .22 calibre Smith & Wesson
pocket revolver and accessories and ammunition. On the inside of the
lid, in gold letters, "Devisme, 56, Boulevard des Italiens, Paris."
This is a most unusual combination of a belt and a pocket revolver in
the same case. The little pistol is marked with the name, address and
patent dates of the Smith & Wesson company and also with "Claudin,
Brevete a Paris, Boulevard des Italiens, 38". Extremely rare and in
almost new condition.

70. PAIR OF PERCUSSION HOLSTER PISTOLS. L. 13"

Silver name-plates and key-plates, beautifully checkered grips, twist
steel barrels and ramrod ribbs, swivel ramrods. Barrels are
extraordinarily heavy, of about .50 calibre. Smooth bore. Spur
trigger-guards and horn tipped fore-ends. Mark, on lockplates and
barrels, "Champion, Chichester." These pistols were apparently at one
time cased, for they are accompanied by cleaning rod with detachable
head, nipple-wrench, bullet mould and combination powder and cap
flask. All in new condition.

71. SINGLE-SHOT BREECH-LOADING PISTOL. L. 13"

The only one of the sort that the cataloguer has ever seen. Probably
an inventor's model. No marks anywhere on it. Stud on the left side of
barrel opens the piece when pushed forward. About .40 cal.

72. U. S. ARMY LUGER AUTOMATIC. L. 9"

Calibre, 7.65 mm. A thousand of these arms were purchased by the
Government in 1901 for experimental purposes, with the view of making
them standard army equipment. They were found to be deficient in
stopping power, due to their small calibre, and were for the most part
sold to Bannerman & Co., of New York. Differences from the ordinary
commercial Luger are as follows:--one inch longer barrel, grip of
black walnut, U. S. coat of arms stamped on receiver, and thumb-safety
is reversed. Curiously enough, this particular pistol was purchased
from a gunsmith by W. Fall Gardner, of New York City, while at
Wiesbaden, Germany, in 1920, and while with the American Army of
Occupation. It is interesting to speculate how the weapon found its
way back to the country of its origin. Rare.

73. BOOTJACK "PISTOL". L. 8"

A cast brass folding bootjack, resembling an old style percussion
pocket pistol when closed. Rare.




THE SETH NELSON GROUP OF EARLY PENNSYLVANIA HUNTING EQUIPMENT.


Seth Iredell Nelson and his son, Seth Nelson, Jr., have long been
regarded as two of the most renowned and resourceful big game hunters
and armorers of Central Pennsylvania. At their home and hunting lodge
on the Sinnemahoning at the foot of Altar Rock, famed in Indian lore,
they maintained a gunshop and forge, making or repairing many of their
own guns, knives, ammunition, etc., as well as their axes, saws,
cant-hooks, farming implements and the like. Many of their choicest
specimens are now in Dr. Henry C. Mercer's Museum at Doylestown, Pa.
Seth Iredell Nelson was born in Potter County, Pa. in 1809, the
descendant of a Scotch "kramer" who went to Germany in the 17th
Century with the ancestor of Col. John Hay, author of "Little
Breeches" and Theodore Roosevelt's great Secretary of State. Nelson
migrated to Clinton County in 1840, the journey being made in
pole-boats down Kettle Creek and up the West Branch of the Susquehanna
to the mouth of the Sinnemahoning, and settling in a community still
inhabited by the Seneca Indians. He became known as the King Hunter of
the Sinnemahoning, his game book showing hundreds of panthers, wolves
and elk and thousands of deer, bears, and wildcats, and other animals
which he captured during his long career in the Pennsylvania big game
fields. Seth Iredell Nelson died in 1905, and is buried on top of
Karthaus Mountain, overlooking the one-time hunting paradise where for
nearly a century he was the supreme ruler. Seth Nelson, Jr. was born
in Potter County in 1838 and was brought to Three Runs, Clinton
County, by his parents two years later. He is today a handsome old
man, with keen blue eyes, regular features, long hair and snow white
beard, hale and hearty at four score and ten. He accompanied his
father on most of his great hunts and was his devoted and able
assistant in his gunshop and forge. Even in late years he has turned
out guns complete--"lock, stock and barrel" and hunting knives of
unusual skill and workmanship.

74. HUNTING KNIFE. L. 10"

Staghorn handle. This is of similar design, as, though of much later
date, than the scalping knives used by such Eighteenth Century
frontiersmen as Covenhoven, the Groves, Van Campen, Van Gundy and
others. Mounted in pewter.

75. SETH NELSON'S SENECA TYPE AXE. L. 13"

This type of axe or tomahawk was designed by John Smoke, one of the
last Seneca Indians residing in Pennsylvania. Initials punched on
blade, "S. N." Double edge. This sort of tomahawk is now sold
commercially under the name of "Nessmuk Axe".

76. HUNTING KNIFE. L. 11-1/2"

Staghorn handle. Pewter mounts.

77. SMALL LEAD-LADLE. L. 15"

Used for running bullets. Made and used by Seth Nelson, Jr.

78. LEAD LADLE. L. 19"

A trifle more artistic in design. Also used by Seth, Jr. Like the
preceding number, this is of the period of 1855-'75.

79. LARGE LEAD-LADLE. L. 20"

Crudely made. Former property of Seth Nelson, Sr., the father of the
maker of Nos. 77 and 78. Period 1830-'50.

80. POWDER HORN AND BULLET POUCH.

The 12-inch horn is still fitted with the original tip-plug and
contains a quantity of rifle-powder, of about FFF texture. These
powder-and-bullet sets are now much rarer than the rifles with which
they were used. A fine old pioneer piece.

81. SMALL LEAD-HANDLED DAGGER. L. 7-1/2"

Given to Seth Nelson, Sr., by Bill Long, a famous Clearfield County
hunter.

82. LITTLE ONE-PIECE COPPER KNIFE. L. 5"

Given to Col. Shoemaker by Seth Nelson, Jr., to illustrate the
earliest type of pocket-knife used by the frontiersmen. Of Indian
manufacture and of the size carried by young girls for general use
and, at a pinch, for protection. Made by John Smoke for his daughter.
The Pennsylvania German Gipsies called this sort of knife a "schlor".
A similar knife but larger, made by Smoke was sent by Col. Shoemaker,
to Dr. H. C. Mercer, Doylestown, Pa., 1920.

83. DOUBLE-EDGED FOLDING DAGGER. L. (open) 8-1/2"

Given to Col. Shoemaker by Seth Nelson to illustrate the next type of
frontier pocket-knife.


EDGED WEAPONS, POLEARMS, CLUBS, ETC.

84. SPANISH OR ITALIAN LEFT-HAND DAGGER. L. 20"

Used to parry sword-thrusts in rapier fencing. XVI or XVII Century.

85. IMPROVISED DAGGER MADE FROM TABLE-KNIFE. L. 7"

Blade has been ground down to dagger shape and guard has been added by
twisting wire about hilt. Used by an Italian in Williamsport to murder
his step-daughter.

86. BOWIE KNIFE. L. 10"

Old and rather crudely made. Wooden grip. Has seen Civil War service
and is believed to have been taken from the body of a Confederate
soldier.

87. DAGGER. L. 12-1/4"

Apparently home-made. Hilt made from the handle of an old Barlow
pocket knife. Found in pocket of Lute Shaffer, murderer of Colby
family, Clinton County, 1888.

88. TWO BUTCHER-KNIVES.

Crudely made, with wide blades and rough wooden handles. Used to
dismember the body of a girl who was killed in a family quarrel. This
was the "Pear Tree Murder", told of in Col. Shoemaker's "More
Allegheny Episodes", Ch. II.

89. PENNSYLVANIA MOUNTAIN HUNTING KNIFE. L. 13"

Made and used by John E. Smith, a famous Clearfield County hunter of
the middle Nineteenth Century. Staghorn handle and pewter mountings.

90. SPANISH BULL-FIGHTER'S PUNTILLA. L. 9"

This is the matador's weapon of last resort, to be used when his
espada fails. Spear-pointed. Gift of Count San Juan de Violada, of
Madrid, 1916.

91. TWO SPANISH PICADOR'S LANCE-POINTS. L. 8"

One bears label marked "Union de Picadores de Toros. Mayo, 1918. 75.
Union de Criadores de Toros de Lidia. Delegacion del Norte."

92. ITALIAN ALPINE POACHER'S KNIFE. L. (open) 12"

Folds into horn handle. Has the peculiarly Italian design of
ornamentation, criss-cross lines on the ricasso. Given to Col.
Shoemaker by a former Swiss soldier at Visp, 1926, who took it from
poacher on Swiss-Italian frontier about 1860.

93. ROMAN JAVELIN HEAD. L. 11"

Found in excavation for subway in London.

94. TWO BASQUE FOLDING KNIVES. L. (open) 8"

Broad, razor-like blades, folding into horn handles. Both are stamped
"E. Pradel, Acier Fins."

95. TWO SPANISH LADIES' KNIVES. L. (open) 7-1/4 and 5-1/2"

Horn handles, broad, thin blades which lock in place when open. Of the
type carried by Raquel Meller, when singing her songs of disappointed
Spanish love. (Secured at Segovia, 1926.)

96. BASQUE MAQUILLA. L. 35". Length of maquilla proper, 33-1/2"

The Basque national weapon. In appearance, it resembles an ordinary
walking stick with a plaited leather wrist-thong and grip.
Brass-mounted and tipped with a heavy steel ferrule. When the handle
is unscrewed, there remains a stout wood shaft, tipped with a sharp
steel point. A really dangerous weapon, in spite of its innocent
appearance, and extremely rare in this country.

97. DAGGER CANE. L. 36-1/2"

Ebony. 11-1/4-inch blade, slightly engraved. About 1830.

98. PAIR OF CUBAN MACHETES. L. 31"

In embossed leather sheaths. Horn handles.

99. MODEL OF INDIAN SLING. L. 21"

Made of sassafras wood by Jesse Logan, a grand-nephew of the great
chief James Logan for Col. Shoemaker, in 1915, as a specimen of an
early Indian weapon. Sling-stone in place.

100. POCKET KNIFE CARRIED BY JESSE LOGAN. (1828-1917.) L. 5-1/2"

Originally a very cheap knife, of the sort sold by itinerant peddlers.

101. GERMAN HUNTING KNIFE, MIDDLE XIX CENT. L. 12"

Beautiful bronze hilt, ornamented in relief with guns, horns and other
implements of the chase. Shell guard. Boar-head pommel. Quillions
shaped like deer feet. Double-edged blade, in original sheath.

102. COLLINS HEAVY HUNTING KNIFE. L. 16-1/2"

Vulcanite grips, quillions and elephant-head pommel of some white
composition metal. In ornately stamped leather sheath. Cheaply made,
but of good steel and a serviceable weapon.

103. MANDAN TOMAHAWK. L. 10" W. 8-1/2"

Brought from South Dakota by a returning U. S. soldier, about 1870,
who obtained it from a fallen burial platform, along with the skeleton
of the Indian with whom it was placed. The remains of the Indian are
now interred on the Restless Oaks estate.

104. FRENCH HUNTING SWORD. XVIII CENT. L. 24"

Staghorn handle, ornamented bronze quillions and shell guard. Blade
engraved with hunting scenes and bears motto "Recte Faciendo Neminem
Timeas."

105. GERMAN HUNTING SWORD. XVIII CENT. L. 26-1/2"

Gilt bronze hilt and quillions, engraved blade bearing inscription in
German. Original black leather sheath. In the best of condition and a
high quality weapon.

106. TURKISH SCIMITAR. L. 37-1/2"

Original scabbard with belt-sling and red-and-gilt silk tassles. Hilt
of silver, with gilt ornamentation, scabbard tipped with silver. Fine.
From the Austin Collection.

107. STRAIGHT YATAGAHN. L. 24"

Tapering blade, slightly engraved, horn handle, silver and brass
mounts. Red velvet scabbard. Probably Circassian or Cossack.

108. PAIR OF FOILS. L. 39-1/2"

Cord-wrapped grips, ring quillions. Point of one broken. Belgian,
about 1860.

109. RHINOCEROS HORN KNOB KERRIE.

South African. Probably Kafir or Zulu.

110. TWO OLD SOCKET BAYONETS.

111. ALL-METAL BAYONET FOR GERMAN MAUSER. L. 17"

In metal sheath. No marks. Rare.

112. GERMAN WORLD WAR BAYONET. L. 15-1/2"

In leather sheath.

113. GERMAN SAWTOOTH BAYONET. L. 15-1/2"

Marks indecipherable except "Solingen". These bayonets were exhibited
in this country during the War as an evidence of German atrocity, but
they were in reality intended for wire-cutting. Only one was issued to
each squad of infantry. For this reason they are comparatively rare.

114. BRITISH NAVAL DIRK. XVIII CENT. L. 17"

Fine condition, leather sheath, ivory handle, engraved blade,
lion-masque pommel. Claimed to have seen service in voyages against
John Paul "Jones." Called by the British "The Great Pirate."

115. MORNING STAR OR BATTLE FLAIL. XV CENT. L. 38"

Large spiked ball, linked by a ten-inch chain to a wooden shaft. A
fine piece and rare. From Austin Collection.

116. NAPOLEONIC SABRE (WATERLOO)

In worn leather sheath. Broken about half way down the blade. Carried
at Waterloo by a Colonel Kaetz, of Napoleon's Belgian allies.

117. TWO ASSAGAIS. RHODESIAN.

From the Austin Collection.

118. RHINOCEROS HIDE SHIELD, DAHOMEY.

Circular and having a conical point in the center.

119. TYROLESE BEAR-SPEAR. XVII CENT. L. 91"

Head original but shaft a replacement. From the Austin Collection.

120. SPANISH BEAR SPEAR. XVII CENT. L. 86"

Head original, but shaft a replacement. From the Austin Collection.

121. CONFEDERATE OFFICER'S SWORD. L. 36-1/2"

Straight, single-edged blade, deeply grooved. Half-basket guard,
incorporating the letters "C. S." Brass mountings. Confederate arms
are exceedingly rare. Illustrated, Plate V.

122. CIVIL WAR SABRE OF 1st LT. HENRY F. SHOEMAKER. L. 36"

Carried during the Civil War by the father of the present owner, while
an officer in the 27th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Blade slightly
engraved, leather-covered grip, gold and black sabre-knot.

123. U. S. LATE REGULATION OFFICER'S SABRE. L. 36"

Carried by Col. Shoemaker while in the Pennsylvania National Guard.
Complete with scabbard, leather sabre-knot and leather carrying case.
Blade engraved "Henry W. Shoemaker."

124. ANOTHER SIMILAR SABRE.

Carried by Col. Shoemaker in the New York National Guard.

125. EQUIPMENT USED BY COL. SHOEMAKER DURING THE WORLD WAR.

This includes a sabre on an old regulation belt, a Sam Browne belt, a
Colt .45 Army automatic in an officers' type holster, a Malacca
swagger-stick, a black and gilt officer's hat cord, a steel helmet and
spurs.

126. DIPLOMATIC SWORD. L. 38-1/2"

Carried by Col. Shoemaker while attached to the American Legation at
Lisbon. Straight, double-edged, with a cord-effect gilded hilt and
double shell guard, one side of which is hinged. The ricasso of the
blade is gilded and the blade is covered with arabesque work in gold
and blue for about nine inches near the hilt and bright polished from
there to the point. In general shape, resembles the small-swords of
the XVIII Cent.

127. DIPLOMATIC SWORD.

Carried by Col. Shoemaker while attached to the American Embassy at
Berlin. Much similar to the preceeding, except that the guard is
ornamented with an American eagle and the blade is elegantly chased.
Designed by Charlemagne Tower (1848-1922), while Ambassador to
Germany.


ACCESSORIES, ETC.

128. CIVIL WAR BAYONET.

With sheath and belt-hanger. Arsenal-new condition. Gift of General F.
D. Beary.

129. TWO ROUNDS OF ANTI-AIRCRAFT M. G. AMMUNITION. Cal. .50

Gift of General F. D. Beary.

130. POWDER-HORN. L. 14-1/2"

Rounded plug in base, with small mushroom-shaped filling-plug.
Knife-whittled plug. Octagonal tip. Color; old ivory, shading to
black at tip.

131. POWDER HORN. L. 12-1/2"

Rounded lathe-turned plug at base, ornamented with brass tacks. Round
tip. Colors; dark brown at tip, shading off in light brown and gray to
old ivory.

132. ZINC POWDER FLASK. L. 7"

Corroded with age.

133. ZINC POWDER FLASK. L. 5"

Pistol size.

134. VERY OLD POWDER HORN. L. 11"

Acorn tip, flat plug with ball-head threaded filling-plug, old strap
attached. Colors; dark brown at tip, shading off to bright orange.
This is age-coloring, and proves the horn to be quite old, possibly
pre-Revolutionary. A fine piece.

135. DATED POWDER HORN. L. 11"

Knife-whittled tip, flat bottom-plug painted red, tip-plug apparently
whittled from a bit of ramrod wood. Dated, 1816. Dated horns are
rather rare.

136. POWDER HORN WITH BRASS CHARGER. L. 9"

Self-measuring charger, evidently from an old flask. Two steeples
driven in sides for carrying cord. Rare.

137. COPPER FLASK. L. 6"

Embossed with hunting scenes. Good.

138. OLD PENNSYLVANIA RIFLEMAN'S POWDER HORN AND BULLET POUCH.

Horn and pouch are fastened to one strap. The horn is 16-1/2 inches in
length, of a beautiful pale green color and highly polished. Ringed
tip and rounded wooden plug. Cut into it are the initials "E. W." In
the pouch is a tin box marked "Eley, London," containing a few caps.
In fine order throughout and very rare. It was once the property of
Major Enoch Wolford, a noted Sugar Valley hunter.

139. MOST PECULIAR OLD BULLET MOULD.

Casts one conical bullet, about .40 cal., and has a number of unique
features. The cataloguer has never seen one just like it. Evidently
the work of local gunsmith.

140. TWO BULLET MOULDS.

Musket size, for about an ounce ball. Illustrated, Plate IV.

141. BULLET MOULD.

Crude and evidently homemade. Casts one conical bullet. .36 Cal.

142. CANADIAN "TIN HAT".

Picked up by Col. Shoemaker between Baupaume and Arras in May 1920.
Rusty, covered in spots with the peculiar chalk-like earth of Northern
France, all leather rotted away. Big dent in top.

143. GERMAN HELMET.

Picked up at Chemin-des-Dames, France, May, 1926, by Col. Shoemaker.
Only a small part of the chin-strap remains.

144. CIVIL WAR HAND-GRENADE.

Painted red and black. In appearance, somewhat like a modern grenade.

145. CIVIL WAR HAND-GRENADE, MOUNTED ON STAND H. 12-1/2"

Is equipped with a wooden shaft and four cartridge-paper "feathers" to
aid in throwing. Label reads "No. 19. Grenade from Ft. Wagner. 1863.
Gift of W. W. RICHIE, 1915 to HENRY W. SHOEMAKER." On paper wing,
"Patented, Aug. 20, 1861."

146. WEB CARTRIDGE BELT.

For Krag rifle. Period of Spanish War.

147. OLD RE-LOADING TOOL.

Rusty. Calibre unknown. Possibly .38-55.

148. GAS SHELL FOR 75 mm GUN. L. 10-1/2"

No rotating band, as this has never been put on, and with tin
shipping head. Painted yellow. Part of a shipment wrecked on the New
York Central Railroad near McElhattan, _en route_ for the loading
plant.

149. EXPLODED 3-INCH SHELL.

High explosive and probably German. Picked up between Arras and
Baupaume by Col. Shoemaker in 1920.

150. SMALL BRASS CANNON-MODEL. L. (over all) 10-1/2"

Wheels, axle, gun and trail are all made of brass. Bore, 3/8-inch,
height, ten inches. Can be fired. These little cannon-models are rare.
Period of 1812.

151. ANCIENT ORIENTAL HELMET.

Probably Persian. Chain-and-plate mail neck guard.

152. WATERLOO RELIC HELMET.

Prussian Cavalry. Bears the number 47. From Austin Collection.

153. PAIR OF LEATHER SADDLE HOLSTERS.

Carried by Trooper Samuel Barker, 7th Cavalry, of Sugar Valley, in the
Civil War. Will take the Colt 1860 or any other Army type percussion
revolver, or the 1842 or 1836 Model single-shot pistol.

154. GERMAN SOLDIER'S BELT. L. 39"

Has the familiar "Gott Mit Uns" buckle. Picked up in France, 1918, by
Major P. M. La Bach, C. E., A. E. F.

155. CALTROP. XVII CENT.

Used during the English Civil Wars. Hand forged with four needle-like
points. Has at one time been painted black for preservation.

156. BARBED AMERICAN CALTROP.

Four points. Made for the defense of Fort Muncy. These caltrops were
scattered in the grass and on the trails to hamper the approach of
Indians, and were frequently poisoned to cause infection. A rare
Pennsylvania Indian War relic, in good state of preservation. Secured
through Dr. Nevin J. Gray, former Assistant State Librarian, of
Pennsylvania.

157. BLACKJACK. L. (including strap) 13-1/2"

Issued during the World War to the Pennsylvania Home Defense Police. A
good, substantial "billy", covered with black leather and weighted
with lead.

158. SMALL FLOBERT RIFLE. .22 CAL.

159. GERMAN TWO HANDED SWORD.

(From Austin Collection.)

160. COMPLETE SUIT OF ENGRAVED GERMAN ARMOR, 16th CENT.

(From Austin Collection.)

161. SPANISH MATADOR'S ESPADA.

(Gift of Count San Juan de Violada, 1916.)

162. PAIR OF FLINTLOCK PISTOLS said to have been owned by David Lewis,
"The Robber."




A PARTIAL CATALOGUE OF THE PIPER COLLECTION. (ALTOONA, PA.)


1. AFRICAN TRADERS' FLINTLOCK GUN. L. 66-1/2"

Roughly and cheaply made. Black-painted poplar stock, brass mountings.
Belgian proof-marks. Guns of this sort were made at a cost of about a
dollar and often brought as much as five hundred dollars worth of
ivory.

2. PERCUSSION KENTUCKY RIFLE. L. 58"

Curley maple stock, highly polished and finished in a dark,
mahogany-like red. Big and extremely ornate brass patch-box, brass
plate on under side of stock, running from trigger-guard to lower
ramrod-thimble, original striped ramrod. All brasswork engraved. About
.32 calibre. Double set triggers. Sights not original. This rifle was
apparently made to order for some wealthy gentleman farmer or city
sportsman, and it is extremely accurate. Mark, "Tryon, Philadelphia".
In almost original condition, inside and out.

3. PERCUSSION SPORTING RIFLE. L. 56"

Purchased in the neighborhood of Altoona, Pa., and probably of
Pennsylvania origin, though there are no marks. Similar to the
Kentucky style of rifle, except for back-action lock and small oval
patch-box. Brass mountings and curley maple stock. About .44 Cal.

4. OVER-AND-UNDER PERCUSSION RIFLE. L. 50"

Barrels revolve, being released by catch in front of trigger-guard.
Full length curley maple stock, ramrod on one side and three German
silver inlays on the other. Large brass patch-box. Mark; "Conestoga
Rifle Works". These double-barrel rifles with revolving barrels are
rare.

5. HEAVY PERCUSSION TARGET RIFLE. L. 50-1/2"

Full-length Kentucky type stock. Lock marked "Jos. Golcher." Weight,
15 pounds. In comparatively poor order, though it can be fired.

6. U. S. ARTILLERY MUSKET. (PERCUSSION) L. 48"

Civil War issue. Used by field artillery for defending gun-positions
against enemy cavalry. Mark; "Savage R. F. A. Co." A rare type and by
a scarce maker.

7. ENFIELD STYLE CONFEDERATE MUSKET. L. 56"

Light English walnut stock. Claimed to have been used in the famous
"Louisiana Tigers." Confederate arms of any sort are rare. With
bayonet. Mark on lock; "Barnet, London". On stock; "Edward Middleton,
Gunmaker, Birmingham." With bayonet.

8. COLT 1861 MODEL U. S. ARMY MUSKET. L. 56"

In almost new condition, with bayonet.

9. GERMAN WORLD WAR MAUSER RIFLE. L. 49"

7.9 mm Cal. Model of 1898. This rifle saw actual service during the
war and was surrendered to the Allies. Mark, "Danzig, 1917."

10. WINCHESTER RIFLE, MODEL OF 1876. L. 48-1/2"

Cal., .45-75. Weight, loaded, 11-3/4 lbs. Twelve shots. Octagon
barrel. Stock and forearm crudely checkered by some former owner. For
some inscrutable reason, the manufacture of this excellent weapon was
discontinued long ago, but for the sort of hunting to be found in this
State, it is much superior to the later small-bore, high-velocity arms
now sold. Roosevelt carried a rifle of this model and calibre on his
first African expedition and used it on lions with good effect.

11. BALLARD SPORTING RIFLE. L. 46"

Octagon barrel. Rocky Mountain sights. Weight, 9 lbs., Calibre, .32.
This rifle was used by a resident of Eldorado, Pa., for the purpose of
ending his earthly woes. After the suicide, it was left uncleaned for
about three years, with the result that the barrel is somewhat pitted.
Otherwise in good order.

12. SHARP'S PERCUSSION CARBINE. L. 39"

13. SMITH PERCUSSION CARBINE. L. 38"

14. DATED ENGLISH MILITARY PISTOL. L. 16"

Bears the stamp of the British East India Company, and the date
"1810". No maker's name. Brass mounted and similar to the pistols used
by the British cavalry in the Revolution, the War of 1812 and the
Napoleonic Wars. Three notches cut in the stock.

15. ENGLISH FLINTLOCK PISTOL. L. 14-1/2"

Brass mountings, round barrel and bag grip. This pistol bears a
curious assortment of marks. On the lockplate: "W. Ketland & Co." On
the barrel: "London", a Belgian proof-mark, and a half-obliterated
engraved mark; "Cur---- & Bav----, Market St., Philadelphia." This
pistol was made in England, shipped to Belgium and then imported to
America, possibly during the War of 1812, when direct commerce with
England was cut off.

16. FRENCH BRASS-BARREL FLINTLOCK PISTOL L. 12-1/2"

Cannon-mouth barrel, brass mountings and lockplate, fishtail butt.
Ramrod not original and slight restorations. Trophy design on barrel
and stock slightly carved. Mark, on lock: "CASSAIGNARD A NANTES".

17. PAIR OF FRENCH DUELLING PISTOLS. L. 14-1/2"

8-inch Damascus barrels, flaring at muzzles. Nicely checkered walnut
grips, steel mountings, back-action locks, rings in butts, which
unscrew, the butts containing spare nipples and cleaning-head for
ramrod. Polygrooved rifling, 11/16-inch bore. Mark: "MRE IMPale DE
CHATELERAULT." and "1854."

18. U. S. ARMY PISTOL, MODEL OF 1836. L. 14"

Altered from flint to percussion by rare civilian alteration. Swivel
ramrod. Mark; "A. Waters, Millburg, Mass." Not reliable as a source of
data on U. S. military weapons.

19. U. S. ARMY PISTOL, MODEL OF 1842. L. 14"

Percussion. Swivel ramrod, brass mountings, almost new condition.
Mark; "H. Aston, Middleton, Conn. 1851." From the Meeks Collection.

20. ENGLISH HOLSTER OR BELT PISTOL. L. 11"

Large octagon barrel, German silver ramrod rib, swivel ramrod,
belt-hook, cap-box in butt, back-action lock, silver mountings. Mark;
"Chance & Sons". British proof-mark on under side of barrel.

21. STARR SINGLE ACTION PERCUSSION REVOLVER. L. 14"

Rusty and lacks cylinder-stop. Mother-of-pearl lozenge set in butt,
with initials, "J. R. L.". This is the first piece that I bought when
I started collecting. .44 Cal.

22. REMINGTON PERCUSSION REVOLVER. L. 14"

"New Model" of 1858. .44 Cal. From the Crouse Collection.

23. SMITH & WESSON SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER. L. 12"

The rare holster size. Six inch barrel, six shots, .32 rim fire.
Presented by Harry A. McGraw, of the Pennsylvania Alpine Club,
Altoona, Pa. Rosewood grips. This model was a favorite among Northern
officers during the Civil war.

24. COLT ARMY REVOLVER, MODEL OF 1860. L. 14"

Bright finish, steel back-strap and brass trigger-guard, has a most
beautiful burl-maple grip. Notched for shoulder stock. .44 Cal. In
almost new condition, and is still quite accurate. From the Vaughn
Collection.

25. COLT NAVY REVOLVER, MODEL OF 1851. L. 13"

Octagon barrel. Steel back-strap and trigger-guard. London
proof-marks. .36 Cal. From the Meeks Collection.

26. COLT POCKET REVOLVER, MODEL OF 1862. L. 11-1/2"

.36 calibre, five shots. Fluted cylinder. Silver plated back-strap and
trigger-guard (wearing). A trifle rusty.

27. COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER. L. 11"

Sliding rod ejector. .45 calibre. In almost new condition. 5-1/2"
barrel.

28. COLT NEW ARMY MODEL REVOLVER. L. 12"

.38 calibre. Ring in butt. Type used by U. S. troops in the
Philippines. During the World War, this revolver was carried by an
employe of the DuPont Powder Company.

29. COLT NEW ARMY MODEL REVOLVER. .32-20 Cal. L. 12"

A civilian gun, made for sale. Differs from No. 28 in several minor
respects.

30. ENGLISH WEBLY "BULL DOG" REVOLVER. L. 7"

"P. Webly and Son, London and Birmingham" on barrel, also, "The Pug."
Probably a Scotland Yard gun, as it bears a painted number (381) on
the frame.

31. "DEFENDER" REVOLVER. L. 6"

A cheap and altogether worthless revolver of the type selling for .75
or $1.00 to gullibles during the period of 1870-1900. From the Crouse
Collection.

32. HOPKINS & ALLEN "RANGER NO. 2" REVOLVER. L. 6-1/2"

Nickel-plated, rubber grips, .32 Rim Fire. Peculiar cylinder-pin-catch
on side of frame.

33. SINGLE SHOT CARTRIDGE PISTOL. L. 6-1/2"

"Morgan & Clapp, New Haven, Ct.," on top of octagon barrel. Brass
frame, barrel swings out to load on pressure on a stud under frame,
rosewood grips, rear sight notched in hammer. Presented by Dr. L. M.
Nugent, of Altoona.

34. SMALL .22 CALIBRE CARTRIDGE PISTOL. L. 4"

Said to be the smallest cartridge pistol ever made. Barrel swings to
side to load. Rare.

35. ALLEN & THURBER PEPPERBOX. L. 7-1/2"

.31 Cal. From the Vaughn Collection.

36. FLINTLOCK POCKET PISTOL. L. 6-1/2"

Checkered and carved grip, round screw-off barrel, center hammer,
sliding safety. Frame nicely engraved. French.

37. BELGIAN PERCUSSION POCKET PISTOL. L. 6-1/2"

Octagon barrel.

38. BELGIAN PERCUSSION POCKET PISTOL. L. 6"

Round barrel. Folding trigger. German silver tulip shaped name-plate.

39. AMERICAN PERCUSSION POCKET PISTOL. L. 5-3/4"

Round barrel. Cheap, being made of cast-iron throughout. No marks
except a serial number, 736. Peculiarly simple mechanism. Barrel
stopped at breech, otherwise good.

40. PHILADELPHIA TYPE DERRINGER. L. 6-1/2"

Engraved German silver mountings. No marks. Almost in new condition.

41. SMALL AMERICAN PERCUSSION POCKET PISTOL. L. 9"

Full stock of curley maple. Hickory ramrod. Barrel is octagon, rifled
deeply and about .32 calibre. Brass and German silver mountings.
Barrel marked "Fleeger, Allegheny". Lock marked "Howells,
Philadelphia." Possibly made for some riverboat captain or river
gambler, and may have a bloody history. Rare.

42. U. S. ARMY LUGER AUTOMATIC. 7.65 M/M Cal. L. 9"

Same as No. 72, Shoemaker Collection.

43. U. S. CIVIL WAR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER'S SWORD. L. 38-1/2"

Straight blade, bronze hilt, with sheath. Mark; "Emerson & Silver,
Trenton, N. J."

44. CAVALRY SABRE. L. 40-1/2"

With scabbard. Bloodstains on guard. Mark; "U. S. 1863".

45. PAIR OF FENCING FOILS. L. 49"

Cup guards, engraved blades, cord-wrapped hilts. Marked "Solingen".
From Sibley Collection.

46. DAGGER. L. 14"

Brass cross-guard. Ivory handle, carved in the shape of two clasped
hands. Very old, possibly Sixteenth Century. Spanish or Italian.

47. SMALL DAGGER. L. 9"

Ebony handle, brass guard and pommel, sharp five-inch blade. Made by
Taylor, of Sheffield, and so marked. From the Crouse Collection.

48. FULL SET OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE PENNA. HOME DEFENSE POLICE.

Blackjack, black-and-white striped armband, badge and whistle. These
sets were issued during the World War to a rather ineffectual
organization of citizens, supposed to aid in keeping order. At the
close of the war, this organization was disbanded and the equipment
turned in and disposed of. In time, they will become quite rare.

49. BLACKJACK. L. 15"

An old type. Worn and broken in the middle. This blackjack was used by
the father of the present owner to beat an improvised bass-drum during
a celebration of the election of Governor Pattison in 1882, at Tyrone,
Pa., and it was broken at that time.

50. FIVE BULLET MOULDS.

One casting a rifle-ball, sixty-five to the pound. One casting a round
ball, about .44 calibre. One casting a ball for the Tryon rifle, No.
2. Two two-bullet moulds, casting round and conical bullets, one for a
.36 and the other for a .44 Colt.

51. BRASS TWELVE-BULLET MOULD. L. 11"

Crude and evidently old.

52. POWDER HORN. L. 23"

Fine age-coloring, shading from black and dark brown at tip to gray
and orange. Wooden screw-plug in base for filling. An extremely old
horn, and rare in this unusual size.

53. ZINC POWDER FLASK. L. 7"

Embossed design. Originally a shotgun flask, but the charger has been
re-lined, making it small enough for a revolver or light rifle.

54. OLD PISTOL HORN. L. 6"

Finely polished and colored. Plug in tip is not original, being made
of red fibre. Plug in base is of black walnut, neatly turned.

55. POWDER HORN. L. 9-1/2"

This horn was made by myself in 1925, for use with my various
muzzle-loading arms. It probably enjoys the distinction of being the
last powder horn made in this State for practical use.

FINIS

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Transcriber's Notes:

The Table of Contents has been added.

The typo concial was changed to conical in:

    141. BULLET MOULD.

    Crude and evidently homemade. Casts one conical bullet. .36 Cal.








