Another early Lefever C grade attributed to Spangler. While unsigned, it is a little better image showing the details more clearly. Pointer on one side, retriever on the other as was customary. NDG mentioned the light fluffy Spangler setters, perhaps this is an illustration of that.

President Benjamin Harrison's Optimus, Spangler's signature on the 2nd image.

https://i.imgur.com/ZgkFoy8.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/NKvq4wn.jpg


- NDG

For comparison, here are Joseph Loy's dogs. Note the blocky, upturned snout. It is the most telling feature of Loy's animals. He didn't ALWAYS do his setters this way, but as I've seen them, the pointers have always had this snout. The second picture shows his signature on this Remington 1894 EE grade.

Note that Spangler's work above is generally soft, almost dream-like. In contrast, Loy's style is bold and deep set.

https://i.imgur.com/FnnSpif.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/tq3yPrh.jpg?1

- NDG

And, just because I referenced him before, here is Jacob Glahn's work...all Lefever's. Note he almost cuts the middle between the other two guys in terms of soft/hard. For my money, he also did some of the most unique scene settings, including some goofy ones.

https://i.imgur.com/RC33TUO.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/nDhBWTb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XAT2tkm.jpg

-- NDG

And Loy's dogs' eyes are always a dead giveaway.





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Here’s a new one on me - see the “S” at about 4 o’clock in the dog vignette? Spangler hallmark?

I believe so Josh.... what else could it be?

I'm aware of only one other American engraver besides Spangler who did a dog's eyes like that.





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Thats definitely odd...havent seen that on another. Can't imagine anyone else who would have used an S. Given thats a very early gun, maybe Spangler signed some that way? Nice gun! D or C?

NDG