Whitmore Sniper Rifle

[Drafthorse]

I recently purchase a Whitmore Rifle at a show in Gettysburg. I know it was made in Boston. Is there anyone out there that is familiar with this rifle. I can't find very much information on it

 

[redbob]

In the years before the Civil War, rifle matches were a popular form of sporting event; there were a number of gunsmiths manufacturing these bench rest or target rifles and they were often made of a combination of store bought and custom manufactured parts. For example, I have a heavy barreled bench rest rifle (circa 1850's)with a Remington lock assembly and the rest custom made parts. Hopefully, someone here will be able to assist you with information about your rifle and welcome to the group from middle Alabama. BTW, that is a fine looking rifle and there was an M.J. Whitmore in Potsdam, New York that was a gunsmith.

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy

 

[Larryh86GT]

Welcome from WNY

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Why would you call this a "Civil War Sniper Rifle"?
J.

 

[UCVRelics]

Welcome From THE Heart Of Dixie. We are going to need some more photos and info to include all makers marking and any others as well. Photos of the lock-plate will be very helpful along with top barrel markings. Looking forward to seeing them.

 

[gary]

Just because it's a target gun doesn't mean it was necessarily used as a sharpshooter rifle. You have to have provenance. Member Twlunt has provenance for his GGF's target rifle. His GGF had to get permission from the regiment commander, his brigade/division commander and finally his corps commander for permission to use it. It will be famous pretty soon.

 

[Drew]

He/She made one post, four months ago and hasn't been back since.

I would not hold my breath waiting for further information.

I clicked on it because I though it said, "Whitworth," a completely different animal.

Just goes to show, look carefully before you click and answer.

 

[zburkett]

Nice rifle. Welcome to the group and many of us would like more info on your rifle.

 

[Drafthorse]

In the years before the Civil War, rifle matches were a popular form of sporting event; there were a number of gunsmiths manufacturing these bench rest or target rifles and they were often made of a combination of store bought and custom manufactured parts. For example, I have a heavy barreled bench rest rifle (circa 1850's)with a Remington lock assembly and the rest custom made parts. Hopefully, someone here will be able to assist you with information about your rifle and welcome to the group from middle Alabama. BTW, that is a fine looking rifle and there was an M.J. Whitmore in Potsdam, New York that was a gunsmith.

Thanks Redbob. Appreciate the response on the Whitmore. Take care until next time.

 

[Drafthorse]

Why would you call this a "Civil War Sniper Rifle"?
J.

My mistake, Maybe I should have said "Civil War Period". I willl try to be more careful with my choice of words in the future.

 

[Drafthorse]

Nice rifle. Welcome to the group and many of us would like more info on your rifle.

Thanks for the reply. The gun shown was a photo of one recently shown at auction. Mine is exactly the same minus the trigger guard. The lock on mine is not original and I had to work on it to get it in working order with the single set trigger. I will send more pictures of my gun soon. I have very little information to go on with this gun. Thanks for your response.

 

[zburkett]

Drafthorse, Do you know what caliber it is?

 

[Drafthorse]

Drafthorse, Do you know what caliber it is?

I believe it is 42 caliber. Sounds odd but that's where it hits. 44 cal. is to big and 40 drops down the barrel.

 

[zburkett]

It is my understanding that many of those target rifles came with their own molds and tools so there would non standard bores. After all the .36 Colt's 1855 is really .357 but fires a .375 ball, at least my reproduction does.

 

[Drafthorse]

It is my understanding that many of those target rifles came with their own molds and tools so there would non standard bores. After all the .36 Colt's 1855 is really .357 but fires a .375 ball, at least my reproduction does.

I have to agree. I recently bought two other heavy barreled target rifles at a show in Maryland. One was made in Washington DC in the mid 1800's. It was made by F. Wassman. It is 38 caliber. The second rifle does not have many markings and has Baker on the lock plate. I'm not sure if it has the original lock or not. It is 45 caliber. I will take some pictures of the Whitemore and post them soon.

 

[Lanyard Puller]

After about a 5 second search with Google, here's a brief description of Mr. Whitmore;

"WHITMORE, Nathaniel .—G Rifle maker. Born at Mansfield, Mass., in 1829, and learned the trade in his father's shop. Worked for Sharps Rifle Co. and Remingtons. Died at Eastondale, Mass., in 1917. Maker of a heavy barrel, muzzle loading, percussion, target rifle with double set triggers. A presentation rifle by Whitmore was gift to Gen. U. S. Grant from the citizens of Providence, R. I., and is now in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D. C."

 

[Drafthorse]

Thanks for your response. Your information is greatly appreciated and gives me other ideas on places to look for information. Look forward to talking to you in the future.