Swinney's books on NYS firearms....& research of E. Phillipps

[Wireforhire]

I recent came across a thread in which two historical reference books were mentioned (naturally I can't find the thread now...) Book 1 was "The Muzzleloading Caplock Rifle" by Ned Roberts which I was able to find, purchase and I am presently reading....great reading. The Second book was "Swinney's books on the NYS Firearms Trade. (Those being a bit pricy ... I did not buy). So, the question: I have a target percussion rifle made by Edwin Phillips, New York, 1840-1884. He was noted for using scopes on some of his builds. That is all the information I have on this builder; yet I am sure he was important enough to have more said of him. I was hoping maybe someone here might have a copy of the 3rd vol. of Swinney's books and would do me the favor of seeing if E. Phillips might be noted. If anyone else has information on Phillips I would appreciate it. Regards, W. "ZEE"

 

[OLUT]

I recent came across a thread in which two historical reference books were mentioned (naturally I can't find the thread now...) Book 1 was "The Muzzleloading Caplock Rifle" by Ned Roberts which I was able to find, purchase and I am presently reading....great reading. The Second book was "Swinney's books on the NYS Firearms Trade. (Those being a bit pricy ... I did not buy). So, the question: I have a target percussion rifle made by Edwin Phillips, New York, 1840-1884. He was noted for using scopes on some of his builds. That is all the information I have on this builder; yet I am sure he was important enough to have more said of him. I was hoping maybe someone here might have a copy of the 3rd vol. of Swinney's books and would do me the favor of seeing if E. Phillips might be noted. If anyone else has information on Phillips I would appreciate it. Regards, W. "ZEE"

Yup, Swinney's volume 5 has a very short write-up on Edwin Phillips and a couple photos. He apparently was listed as a cabinet maker in the 1840's and then was listed as a gunsmith or gun & pistol maker from 1850's onward at 111 Christie in NYC

 

[OLUT]

Yup, Swinney's volume 5 has a very short write-up on Edwin Phillips and a couple photos. He apparently was listed as a cabinet maker in the 1840's and then was listed as a gunsmith or gun & pistol maker from 1850's onward at 111 Christie in NYC

Note that my computer changed the spelling ...the street is CHRYSTIE. Here's a different listing for him with similar information

 

[Wireforhire]

Thanks Olut, I appreciate the information. It is getting rough to find any detailed information on some of these specialists. I would love to know more about him and his methods .... including the scopes he used, etc. When I first came to this forum someone sent me a picture of one of his rifles/with scope that was sold by one of the major gun dealers for a pretty penny. I was lucky in that the auction site I purchased from thought it was a more modern contemporary piece ... their mistake my benefit. Thanks, again W."ZEE"