Thanks for all the comments. As promised I removed the wood back, and found the following on the back of the picture:
Logo - Forshew, Photographer, Hudson, N.Y.
Hand writing - Messrs Kerby
Per a internet reference on the Hudson River Vally, Francis “Frank” Forshew was a prolific photographer in upstate New York in the last half of the 19th century. I also took the opportunity to check out a couple areas of interest in the image, particularly shotgun #2. The lifter has a cap on it, and it’s clearly attached to the shotgun. I’m surprised how clear the image is outside the frame. And I really love the faces on all the dogs!
So, if you have a 19th century hammer gun attributed to a Mr. Kerby, it may be one of two in this pic!
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