The Guns of J.P. Sousa

[Alfred Houde]

I had the honor of preparing for re-display the two L.C. Smith shotguns owned and used by John Philip Sousa that are held in the collection of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Both were donated by his grandson. One is a special ordered 12 gauge, A2 grade with 32" barrels which according to his grandson was used for duck hunting. The second is a Field grade, FW 20 gauge with 26" barrels which Sousa purchased late in life after being seriously injured in a riding accident. Both are fitted with the Miller Single Trigger.

According to the artifact record file, Sousa's grandson noted that Sousa owned many shotguns to include Parkers and at least one Purdey, ordered in 1911. He also noted that they "had all been sold off years ago."

Does anyone know the whereabouts of these? I know that the Trapshooting Hall of Fame holds an Ithaca Trap Gun owned by Sousa. Thanks in advance if anyone has some information.

[Bill Murphy]

Al, there is a Double Gun Journal article showing the Lindner Daly that Sousa gave up to shoot the Ithaca. Another article, this one in the Remington Society of America Journal, shows Sousa's F Grade (Premier Grade) Model 10 Remington two barrel set. Both guns remained in the family of Sousa's friend and shooting partner, Walter W. Posey, of Lancaster, PA, until recent years. Both articles were authored by Bill Murphy and his neighbor, Tom Breeden. By the way, my little Wirehair, Eva, is well at ten years old, and says "Hi!"

[Bob Brown]

xxx

[Researcher]

His Parker Bros. AAH-grade passed through Amoskeag Auctions some years ago.

[Bill Murphy]

I assume that was after it passed through Alderfer's. Can you give us some information on the Amoskeag sale?

[Researcher]

Seen one auction house beginning with A you've seen them all.

[Bill Murphy]

Are you saying that Amoskeag is not the house you were referring to?

[Trap3]

Here are a couple photo/articles from my collection. Sousa shooting in 1913 Harrisburg PA. tournament. May be his A2 SxS...

Randy Davis

[Kevin McCormack]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

I assume that was after it passed through Alderfer's. Can you give us some information on the Amoskeag sale?

Bill, to my knowledge the Sousa AAH Pigeon Gun never went through Amoskeag. According to my records, it came right out of a trunk in the attic of a female descendant (a grand niece?) and was consigned directly to Alderfer's.

[Bill Murphy]

Kevin, you might remember that I was second high bidder on the Sousa gun at the Alderfer auction. Mr. Noreen suggested that the gun went to another auction later, but he isn't replying to confirm or unconfirm that.