Attached tag reads, "Fowling Piece / J. Fordney / Lancaster cap and ball type / 1845-1860" Side of gun is engraved, "Sharp" and top of barrel marked, "London"
According to a note found in archives, this gun was originally built as a flintlock and later converted to a cap and ball.
Henry Leman Rifle, engraved ornamentation on brass devices, ornament on steel, engraved silver extras. Inlaid with brass ornament. Engraved, "Jas. C. Leman to A. R. Beck, Esq." on side inlaid silver ornament.
Provenance
James C. Leman to Abraham R. Beck (1833-1928) to son Dr. Herbert H. Beck (1875-1960). Apparently donated to LCHS the following year in 1961, likely as a tribute to its recent owner Herbert H. Beck who had served as Chief of the Pirates Club and also President of LCHS for 25 years, retiring in 1949 as president emeritus.
Henry Leman Rifle, full stock undercarriage, engraved ornamented brass devices, some ornament on steel. Stamped on side, "Leman / Lancaster" and on top of barrel, "H E Leman Lancaster PA Warranted"
Pennsylvania Long Rifle; percussion cap; curly maple stock; iron barrel stamped "H. GIBBS" on top of barrel. Brass fittings and patch box. Some rust on iron and brass parts. Approximately .40 caliber muzzle. 44" barrel with an overall length of 61 inches.
See notes for information on Gibbs.
Provenance
Purchased by donor (Walt Dunlap) at auction in Lancaster County in 1956.
Henry Gibb Sr. and his son Henry Gibb were Lancaster City gunsmiths active for most of the nineteenth century. The father from 1812 until 1843 and the son from 1843 until 1880.
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
