antique musket

Russell · 12-31-2007, 01:58 PM

I have an old musket in very good condition. The barrel is octagon, 36 1/2 inches long very thick and heavy. The stock is in very good condition except for a small crack opposite the lock next to the barrel. There is a thick brass cover over the butt. Most of the metal on the stock are engraved including the trigger cover. The name on the top of the barrel is Eagle Gun Factory. The name on the percussion lock is JAs Golcher. The lock is also engraved with a dog chasing two geese. On the inside of the patch box cover are the names JAs Golcher and Eagle Rifle Works. There is also a brass powder flask that goes with the gun. I have enclosed some pictures. Any idea what it is worth would be appreciated. Russell
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300 H&H · 12-31-2007, 05:02 PM

Russle,

I am of little help here other than to say what you have is known as a "hawken" rifle. This refers to a type of rifle of usually larger caliber, with a half stock. It looks to be a fine example of one though. If it is an old original woth quite alot. If reproduction, not much. Looks to be of high quality, and I am sure someone will come along with lots more information. Best reguards and Happy New Year!! Kirk

TheJakster2 · 12-31-2007, 09:13 PM

Only been able to find a little about JAs Golcher and Eagle Gun Factory.

The Eagle Rifle/Gun Works was operated by James Golcher in Philadelphia and was in business from 1833 to 1851. The company was located at 138 N. 2nd Street. James died in 1880. If you are in the Philadelphia area you can have the gun appraised at one of the Pottstown Antique gun shows in March or November.

There are a couple of guns on the net by Eagle all appear to be similar to yours, but yours has much more intricate details.

Hope that gets you headed in the right direction

Beautiful rifle

Jake

Russell · 01-01-2008, 09:20 AM

Thanks Kirk, your information is helpful. Happy New Year and as spock would say, live long and propser.

Russell · 01-01-2008, 09:28 AM

Many thanks Jake, the info you provided is great. I had managed to get info on James Golcher but never could find out where the eagle gun factory was located in Phila. Happy New Year Russ

Willie · 01-05-2008, 03:22 PM

I could not find anything on this gun either. Still it seems like a nice piece,if you want to sell ,pm me and we can talk.

TheJakster2 · 01-06-2008, 07:21 PM

Oddly enough while looking I found this old post from where?

Why TFF

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=15556

Here is another site posting
http://oldguns.net/q&a8_03.htm

This site lists American gun manufacturers.
www.american-firearms.com/american-firearms/IE6/index.htmlhe rifle itself

From what I can find it looks like Golcher was a lock manufacturer and apparently made only a few rifles and pistols. He did however provide locks to a lot of other manufacturers both here and abroad. I see his name on the picture you provided on the lock is it anywhere on the barrel?

I found this site and it might be where you could get the information you are looking for. He will need detailed pictures of all aspects of the gun, but he may be able to give you some answers
http://www.gabelguns.com/default.asp

Hope this helps somemore

Jake

12-31-2007, 01:58 PM	#1
Russell Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 3	antique musket I have an old musket in very good condition. The barrel is octagon, 36 1/2 inches long very thick and heavy. The stock is in very good condition except for a small crack opposite the lock next to the barrel. There is a thick brass cover over the butt. Most of the metal on the stock are engraved including the trigger cover. The name on the top of the barrel is Eagle Gun Factory. The name on the percussion lock is JAs Golcher. The lock is also engraved with a dog chasing two geese. On the inside of the patch box cover are the names JAs Golcher and Eagle Rifle Works. There is also a brass powder flask that goes with the gun. I have enclosed some pictures. Any idea what it is worth would be appreciated. Russell -->

12-31-2007, 05:02 PM	#2
300 H&H Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,795	Re: antique musket Russle, I am of little help here other than to say what you have is known as a "hawken" rifle. This refers to a type of rifle of usually larger caliber, with a half stock. It looks to be a fine example of one though. If it is an old original woth quite alot. If reproduction, not much. Looks to be of high quality, and I am sure someone will come along with lots more information. Best reguards and Happy New Year!! Kirk

12-31-2007, 09:13 PM	#3
TheJakster2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 274	Re: antique musket Only been able to find a little about JAs Golcher and Eagle Gun Factory. The Eagle Rifle/Gun Works was operated by James Golcher in Philadelphia and was in business from 1833 to 1851. The company was located at 138 N. 2nd Street. James died in 1880. If you are in the Philadelphia area you can have the gun appraised at one of the Pottstown Antique gun shows in March or November. There are a couple of guns on the net by Eagle all appear to be similar to yours, but yours has much more intricate details. Hope that gets you headed in the right direction Beautiful rifle Jake __________________ Take a kid hunting and create a lifelong momory Gun control is being able to hit what you aim at.

01-01-2008, 09:20 AM	#4
Russell Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 3	Re: antique musket Thanks Kirk, your information is helpful. Happy New Year and as spock would say, live long and propser.

01-01-2008, 09:28 AM	#5
Russell Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 3	Re: antique musket Many thanks Jake, the info you provided is great. I had managed to get info on James Golcher but never could find out where the eagle gun factory was located in Phila. Happy New Year Russ

01-05-2008, 03:22 PM	#6
Willie Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Galveston,TX Contributor Posts: 1,002	Re: antique musket I could not find anything on this gun either. Still it seems like a nice piece,if you want to sell ,pm me and we can talk. __________________ Willie West End Electric Galveston Electricians

01-06-2008, 07:21 PM	#7
TheJakster2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 274	Re: antique musket Oddly enough while looking I found this old post from where? Why TFF http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=15556 Here is another site posting http://oldguns.net/q&a8_03.htm This site lists American gun manufacturers. www.american-firearms.com/american-firearms/IE6/index.htmlhe rifle itself From what I can find it looks like Golcher was a lock manufacturer and apparently made only a few rifles and pistols. He did however provide locks to a lot of other manufacturers both here and abroad. I see his name on the picture you provided on the lock is it anywhere on the barrel? I found this site and it might be where you could get the information you are looking for. He will need detailed pictures of all aspects of the gun, but he may be able to give you some answers http://www.gabelguns.com/default.asp Hope this helps somemore Jake __________________ Take a kid hunting and create a lifelong momory Gun control is being able to hit what you aim at.