How Old

[powhs]

Have had this gun for years. A friend in GA gave it to me. I added the ram rod and the leather wrap on the barrel.It is smooth bore.
The words JOSEPH GOLCHER are on the lock. Any idea when it was made and what it may have been used for.

 

[powhs]

I found some info.
JOSEPH GOLCHER was a lock maker in PA about 1850.
What gunsmith would you recomend to check this gun out before firing it?

 

[George T.]

That is a good looking pistol! Geo. T.

 

[cynthialee]

Some pictures of the proof marks on the barrel would help the guys figure it out for you. They are pretty sharp on that front.

 

[powhs]

The only marks on the barrel are letterson the left side. This how they are positioned.

jdj
P
JS
Ther also is a half moon cut pretty deep on top off the barrel near the rear.