showalter

[shew62]

Hi Fellas, I have a percussion rifle built in Brookville PA by John Showalter sometime in the mid 1800's its been in my family forever and I'm trying to date it, there is a name on the lock, A.W. Spies any info would be greatly appreciated, by the way I've been a flintlock hunter for many years now and would rather hunt with the smokepole any day over a center fire rifle!!!

 

[Zonie]

Welcome to the Forum.
I don't find a listing for a Showalter in my three American gunsmith books however two of the books list a A.W.Spies.

He was a general gunsmith and dealer In New York, New York from 1832 to 1860. From 1860-1876 a company called Spies, Kissan & Co. was at the same New York Address.

It was not uncommon for gunsmiths and dealers to sell parts to other gunmakers across the United States.

 

[JV Puleo]

AW Spies was a merchant importer. He started out in the gilt button business around the War of 1812 and expanded into hardware, swords, guns, gun locks and general sporting goods. The company "spun off" Lewis & Tomes and later Tomes, Melavin & Co. Interestingly, this is where Marcellus Hartley, of SH&G began his career.

 

[Twice boom]

A.W Spies--Maker opf six shot paperbox pistols and swards,Broadway at Fulton street New York N. Y. 1832-57. Died 1860.Per Gardners .
Twice.

 

[DennisPollywog]

If you have access to Longrifles of Pennsylvania; Jefferson, Clarion,and Elk Counties, by Russell E. Harriger, there is a good section along with pics of rifles by John Showalter. He was a gunsmith in the Brookville area beginning around 1840, and died in Brookville on Mill Street ( now Franklin Avenus ) on August 25, 1883.
Russ Harriger credits Showalter with the first use of the "Brookville Eye", an elliptical cheekpiece inlay with a hole in the center, that appears in guns made by other Brookville area makers as well. Neat stuff :grin:
Shreck

 

[shew62]

yep got the book, very cool stuff if your ever in Brookville look me up, THANKS GUYS!!!!!!!

 

[user 922]

I think John Showalter was trained in Lancaster County before moving West. Talk with Dave McEntire from Knox. He could give you a lot of information on your gun.

Also, if you hunt with traditional flintlocks you should consider joining the Jefferson County Longrifles - a traditional muzzleloading club.

 

[shew62]

thanks bucksco, I know all about Jeff co. long rifles Harriger Hollow is just over the hill from my home, I was born and raised in Brookville, I've been meaning to join the long rifles just never seem to get it done. Does Dave Mcintire have a e-mail? thanks

 

[GothamDriver]

I have an AW Spies pistol, thanks for sharing this, it’s nice to know a little background

 

[Bonvicken]

Hello, old thread, but I've been doing some research on the Showalter family that settled in my neck of the woods in the 1850s (Cass County IL) and found a connection between this family and Pennsylvania rifles. I think this gun is a lot older than mid-1800s, based on this info it was probably made during the Revolutionary War era.
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Showalter-41

 

[Shreckmeister]

Hi Fellas, I have a percussion rifle built in Brookville PA by John Showalter sometime in the mid 1800's its been in my family forever and I'm trying to date it, there is a name on the lock, A.W. Spies any info would be greatly appreciated, by the way I've been a flintlock hunter for many years now and would rather hunt with the smokepole any day over a center fire rifle!!!

I also have a Showalter rifle. I’d be curious if yours looks similar. The Bonnet rifles from Brookville are among my favorites. He was imho one of the most talented craftsmen because he did so many different crafts and did them well. I’m curious to learn more about John Showalter. Did he make alot of rifles?