[JHAR]

I am interested in learning anything at all about the supposed firearm shown in the 1905 newspaper article below. It was apparently found around the time of the article at the location of the "Pigeon Roost Massacre" in southern Scott County, Indiana. I am interested in it from the perspective of County history and whether or not it may date back to the era of the Massacre in 1812 or sometime closer to when it was found. Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[PaleHawkDown]

Maybe a zip gun?
I wonder how accurate the drawing was to the original. I collect old newspapers, and in the era before photography, there is often a bit of creative license.

 

[JHAR]

Thanks. I had to look that term up. You are probably right. I found another article about this same gun, but this one seems to have a different image, either a photograph or something more resembling one.

 

[PaleHawkDown]

That image seems to show a plunger on the rear of the gun, like a cocking piece. I bet if you pull that out, the trigger moves forward.

The tubes on top are a mystery.

At first I thought that nubbin on top might be a sight. It looks a little like the rear sight on an 1871 Colt.

It sort of looks like there is a hammer or something behind the top rear tube. Maybe there was a hinged middle section to this that was secured to the "sight" and the sight was really a stud? Or maybe the "stud" is part of a hinge, and this was a breech loader on the top. Maybe a pistol/shotgun combo?

Maybe the big tube on the bottom is being used as a frame housing the trigger mechanism, and the top is the only thing that fired, but we're missing part of it.

Or, here's the long shot guess, the whole thing is a primitive lower receiver, and we're missing the upper.

 

[blaster]

looks kinda like a flare gun to me. but did they have flare guns back then?

 

[animalspooker]

Those top tubes are sights aren’t they?

 

[PaleHawkDown]

Those top tubes are sights aren’t they?

That's what I thought at first, but in the second picture it looks like there is something behind them. Also, what is the "bump" on top of the tube. A decent photograph, and a different angle would help a lot, right?

 

[JHAR]

I'll call Mr. Belch and ask him for a few more photos...er, wait. Never mind.

Thanks all for your thoughts. Appears there is no simple answer due to 1) possibly being a zip gun, (unique); 2) possibly being part of a larger unit; 3) parts missing (similar to #2); or an early specialty gun, such as a flare gun or something of that nature, and 4) I guess it could be something other than a gun even, maybe part of a tool, or a toy?. One poor "photo" and a drawing from the same perspective aren't much to go on, so I do appreciate you all having looked and giving me your thoughts. Would really be interesting to track it down and see what your thoughts are with more to go on. Thanks again.

 

[runfiverun]

lets look at it from this perspective.
if it was from 1812 the chances of it being a cartridge gun of any type are slim to about 1%.
now if it was from closer to the time it was found [more likely judging from the condition] it could be a flair gun, or a single shot shot shell handgun.
or the big tube could be a cut down magazine, something is missing from the barrel portion.
or it was a home made lower handle for a tater digger.

 

[jdavis]

If that was lost in 1812 and not found until nearly 100 years later, little would be left of the wooden stock. I don’t see any means for a trigger action to be in this gun as pictured. Considering the drawings, it is most likely that this is a toy gun that some kid playing cowboys and Indians lost fairly close to the time that is was discovered.

 

[PaleHawkDown]

If that was lost in 1812 and not found until nearly 100 years later, little would be left of the wooden stock. I don’t see any means for a trigger action to be in this gun as pictured. Considering the drawings, it is most likely that this is a toy gun that some kid playing cowboys and Indians lost fairly close to the time that is was discovered.

The OP said it was found at that site, but it could have been made any time between then and when it was found.

You can see the trigger in both pictures. It's one of this style of trigger:

These started popping up in the late 1840s. The grip shape started popping up in the 1850s.

The gun, if gun it be, is clearly not from 1812, but we're just playing here and throwing ideas against the wall.

If we assume it IS a gun, the bird's head grip means that the earliest would be 1850s.

 

[BigEd63]

"Eureka!" Of some sort? Not saying this exact model but the lower image "above" reminded me of a gutted airgun similar to a Sheridan or Benjamin.

1900 vintage airgun pistol - Google Search

 

[MontanaMac]

I think that you are on the right path. How about this air gun

The Pope Brothers Rifle Air Pistol, called a rifle because of its long barrel and detachable wire shoulder stock, was manufactured in the USA circa 1874 to 1878 by the Pope brothers (Albert and his younger brother, Arthur) at the Pope Manufacturing Company, 45 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

The handgrip is made of metal.

 

[MontanaMac]

Another image of the Pope Brothers Rifle Air Pistol

The pistol is cocked by pulling the barrel forwards. The pull rod clamp is fixed to the barrel such that pull the barrel also pulls the cocking rod forwards until the piston engages onto the trigger sear. At the same time, the barrel is held in this position by a thin section of sprung metal. Thus acting as a crude safety mechanism to save the shooters’ finger should they inadvertently pull the trigger whilst loading a slug or dart into the barrel.

 

[PaleHawkDown]

I think that you are on the right path. How about this air gun
View attachment 184002

The Pope Brothers Rifle Air Pistol, called a rifle because of its long barrel and detachable wire shoulder stock, was manufactured in the USA circa 1874 to 1878 by the Pope brothers (Albert and his younger brother, Arthur) at the Pope Manufacturing Company, 45 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

The handgrip is made of metal.

I think that is it exactly. Even has the right sight, trigger, and grip.

 

[PaleHawkDown]

This is absolutely the best forum. Our mystery solvers would give the Scooby Doo gang a run for their money.

 

[Cyrano]

Another image of the Pope Brothers Rifle Air Pistol
View attachment 184003

The pistol is cocked by pulling the barrel forwards. The pull rod clamp is fixed to the barrel such that pull the barrel also pulls the cocking rod forwards until the piston engages onto the trigger sear. At the same time, the barrel is held in this position by a thin section of sprung metal. Thus acting as a crude safety mechanism to save the shooters’ finger should they inadvertently pull the trigger whilst loading a slug or dart into the barrel.

View attachment 184004

MontanaMac, I think you've identified it. A Pope Brothers Rifle Air Pistol minus the barrel and the shoulder stock. Never saw one of these before. Nicely done!

 

[jdavis]

MontanaMac, I think you've identified it. A Pope Brothers Rifle Air Pistol minus the barrel and the shoulder stock. Never saw one of these before. Nicely done!

I have to say that this makes more sense. The tube above the trigger and stock houses the action works and with the addition of the missing barrel it becomes clear. Good work MontanaMac!

 

[shop tom]

You guys are awesome!!

 

[PaleHawkDown]

I wonder if the original writers in 1905 ever figured this out, or if this forum was the first to do so?