Question on gunlock maker

[MStriebel]

I just came across an old longrifle I suspect was made in Ohio or Indiana and which I am looking to learn more about. There is no gunmaker's name on the barrel, but I have been able to make out on the gunlock the name of the company that imported the lock. That name is Sheldon Phelps & Co.

I was able to find our that Sheldon Phelps was a company in New York. However, I have been unable to find any information on what years that company was in business. I thought that knowing that information would at least help me to put a range on the possible age of the rifle. This longrifle started as flintlock, but it was converted to percussion.

I wanted to see if any of the experts on the forum might happen to know of any reference books or other sources that I might be able to use to find out when Sheldon, Phelps & Co. was founded and when it stopped doing business.

Thanks

 

[galamb]

Can't give you an outright answer, but maybe a couple of clues.

There was a Canadian gun builder that used locks from the company in question - three of such rifles were dated 1837.

I also have notes of an 1845 dated Ohio rifle with a back action lock from the same company (and that time frame would be typical/correct for a back action).

 

[MStriebel]

Graham,

Thanks for your input on this.

I had been able to find some information on some Ohio longrifles made in the 1840s with locks from this maker. However, I had not been able to find anything before that, so your information on the Ontario/upper Canada made rifles with locks from this maker is helpful.

Trying to determine the history of these rifles is a bit like trying to put together a jig saw puzzle, and I appreciate you providing another piece to the puzzle.

Best,

Matt