Gunsmith for Civil War Era Firearms

[insanelupus]

First I should mention, nope, it ain't for sale. 

A gentleman was moving and wanted to dispose of his firearms.  He had an "old black powder rifle" he wanted to sell.  At the time, I didn't know what it was, black powder not being my focus with firearms.  I figured it for a wall hanger at best and he seemed pleased as punch to get it sold.  The price was very attractive.

So after some research I found out I had a Smith Carbine.  As a matter of fact, it falls within the range of serial numbers that was issued to the "L" Company of the 1st Alabama Calvary Volunteers in about 1863.  (A Volunteer unit that denounced the cessation of Alabama from the Union and joined the Union as Calvary Volunteers.  Incidently they also were one of the first units to integrate soldiers regardless of race and seem to have a little information about them on the internet.)  No way for sure to know, at least for now, who or which unit it was issued to though.

The hammer spring is broken, the action release "shoe" is missing, the saddle ring is missing and the screws suffered wrong screwdriver syndrome.  Not to mention a light coat of rust and a nice patina on it. 

I'm guessing, from the worn cartouche on the stock and the missing saddlering, that this carbine came west after the war and saw just a little use before it was retired.  The man I bought it from grew up in Washington and it had belonged to his father.  Other than that I know very little about it.

I'm not sure I want to do anything to it at the moment.  I need to speak to some collectors as to its value. 

If I wanted to have some work done at all, it would be minimal with nothing done to the finish.  I'd have most of the screws peened back into their correct shape, the hammer spring fixed a new "shoe" made and the stock screw replaced.  However, I would want a gunsmith that is intimately familiar with Civil War era weapons and their value to do the work.  Basically, the Doug Turnbull of Civil War Firearms is what I'm looking for.  I plan to contact the North/South Skirmish Association and Dixie Gun Works turned up nothing. 

I figured maybe there would be a 'smith on the East Coast somwhere that would fit the bill.  Anyone know of a good gunsmith for Civil War Weapons that does quality restoration work?

[Will Bison]

I can give you a possible lead on a smith who may be able to do the work or give you a reference.

Steve Zihn
112 Riggs Rd
Shoshone, WY

szihn@wyoming.com

Steve does everything from matchlocks to machine guns including scratch built guns.

Bill

[forest2]

I'm no good at links,

Go to the "North South Skirmish Association" NSSA. These Guy's ARE the Civil War Re-enactors.

 It's huge! they have a forum also. You can log-in and ask all the questions you want. Good luck!

[RaiderANV]

 I work on all War of Northern Aggression firearms and have for over 25 years. I have the parts you seek also. No need to have anything made. You can contact me directly at RaiderANV@yahoo.com. I'm located in Virginny. I also shoot in the N-SSA and own a few Smith's myself. I'm also one of Lodgewood's gunsmiths when they travel this side of the country to reenactments or N-SSA shoots. Lodgewood also has the parts and can do the work at their shop in Whiteater, Wisconsin.
www.lodgewood.com  262-473-5444 You'd ask for Becky. I'm Pat Kelly but they call me "PJ"

 One thing you have to remember when saying my serial number is in the "range" is that it was a rare hair that guns were issued in order. Most weren't even shipped in order from the factory. Someone grabbed 10-12 carbines and nailed them up in their shipping box.

Hope all this helps ya out,

 Pat Kelly

[Two Bears]

First I should mention, nope, it ain't for sale. 

A gentleman was moving and wanted to dispose of his firearms.  He had an "old black powder rifle" he wanted to sell.  At the time, I didn't know what it was, black powder not being my focus with firearms.  I figured it for a wall hanger at best and he seemed pleased as punch to get it sold.  The price was very attractive.

So after some research I found out I had a Smith Carbine.  As a matter of fact, it falls within the range of serial numbers that was issued to the "L" Company of the 1st Alabama Calvary Volunteers in about 1863.  (A Volunteer unit that denounced the cessation of Alabama from the Union and joined the Union as Calvary Volunteers.  Incidently they also were one of the first units to integrate soldiers regardless of race and seem to have a little information about them on the internet.)  No way for sure to know, at least for now, who or which unit it was issued to though.

The hammer spring is broken, the action release "shoe" is missing, the saddle ring is missing and the screws suffered wrong screwdriver syndrome.  Not to mention a light coat of rust and a nice patina on it. 

I'm guessing, from the worn cartouche on the stock and the missing saddlering, that this carbine came west after the war and saw just a little use before it was retired.  The man I bought it from grew up in Washington and it had belonged to his father.  Other than that I know very little about it.

I'm not sure I want to do anything to it at the moment.  I need to speak to some collectors as to its value. 

If I wanted to have some work done at all, it would be minimal with nothing done to the finish.  I'd have most of the screws peened back into their correct shape, the hammer spring fixed a new "shoe" made and the stock screw replaced.  However, I would want a gunsmith that is intimately familiar with Civil War era weapons and their value to do the work.  Basically, the Doug Turnbull of Civil War Firearms is what I'm looking for.  I plan to contact the North/South Skirmish Association and Dixie Gun Works turned up nothing. 

I figured maybe there would be a 'smith on the East Coast somwhere that would fit the bill.  Anyone know of a good gunsmith for Civil War Weapons that does quality restoration work?

I would send it to Doug Turnbull, he is probably the best gun restorer you could come accross. Do a search on the net and see what he can do for you.