Hey all,
Just recently received a rifle from my grandfather with the request that I research it and find out what the history of it is. It's a single shot break action and it's stamped on the side and bottom of the receiver with "F Copeland Stirling Mass." Doing a little digging, I learn that a Frank Copeland used to work for Allen and Wheelock and afterward, began to make his own guns in Worcester county, Massachusetts.
"Mr. Frank Copeland, 17 Hermon Street, established a manufactory for fire-arms in 1863 ; he was formerly in the employ of Allen & Wheelock, at their old shop at the Junction. He first manufactured revolvers, and in 1876 devised a single-shot breech-
loading sporting gun, called "The Champion."
Mr. Copeland's second gun is a single-barreled sporting gun, called the " F. Copeland Gun," which is more strongly constructed, better in action and capable of standing heavier charges, and altogether more durable."
From a book on the history of Worcester county. Starts me in the right direction but doesn't give me all the details I'm looking for.
I've also seen that he is more well known for his pocket revolvers and have found mention of them in a couple books but nothing about his rifles. The gun has no other markings so I can't determine patent dates, model names, caliber, etc. I've ordered a book that supposedly has information on Mr. Copeland but in the mean time, anybody have any information on this guy and his guns at all?
Pictures to follow in the next post.
Thanks,
Corey
Just recently received a rifle from my grandfather with the request that I research it and find out what the history of it is. It's a single shot break action and it's stamped on the side and bottom of the receiver with "F Copeland Stirling Mass." Doing a little digging, I learn that a Frank Copeland used to work for Allen and Wheelock and afterward, began to make his own guns in Worcester county, Massachusetts.
"Mr. Frank Copeland, 17 Hermon Street, established a manufactory for fire-arms in 1863 ; he was formerly in the employ of Allen & Wheelock, at their old shop at the Junction. He first manufactured revolvers, and in 1876 devised a single-shot breech-
loading sporting gun, called "The Champion."
Mr. Copeland's second gun is a single-barreled sporting gun, called the " F. Copeland Gun," which is more strongly constructed, better in action and capable of standing heavier charges, and altogether more durable."
From a book on the history of Worcester county. Starts me in the right direction but doesn't give me all the details I'm looking for.
I've also seen that he is more well known for his pocket revolvers and have found mention of them in a couple books but nothing about his rifles. The gun has no other markings so I can't determine patent dates, model names, caliber, etc. I've ordered a book that supposedly has information on Mr. Copeland but in the mean time, anybody have any information on this guy and his guns at all?
Pictures to follow in the next post.
Thanks,
Corey