Victorian Shotguns and Dogs Photo Quiz

[Garth Gustafson]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

That is very cool!

As for the buttoning of the top button only, that was a common practice at one time. For those of us who are fans of Gordon MacQuarrie, we know that "Mr. President" always wore his old brown mackinaw buttoned only at the top.

I hope someone has that lifter. Stranger things have happened.

That practice goes back at least to the Civil War. Union soldiers were issued loose fitting "sack coats" and were required to keep their top button buttoned in most non-combat situations. Enlisted and junior officers (lieutenants and captains) wore single breasted coats and senior officers wore double breasted. In this 1885 16th Conn. reunion photo the vets are buttoned-up per regulations.

[mobirdhunter]

Thanks, Garth, and others. What a great thread.

[ArtS]

Originally Posted by Jim Kremmel

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!

I thought I ws correct about that lifter because it looks so much like the 1874 I have. Those guys all look like they couldn't button those coats and sit down. A lot of the older guys I mentioned wearing their coats like that in the early fifties had probably bought them in the 20's and were still wearing the same one.

I hadn't paid attention to the men, but after knowing they were likely related, I think they do have a familial appearance. The two on the left almost could be twins, and their features appear to be consistent to their surname roots.

[Bruce Hering]

I have looked at the pic's a bunch of times.

I am sure the first 3 dogs left to right are E Setters. The 4th dog is certainly likely a red and white setter as these were here early.

My wife who is a pro genealogist says the two fellows on the left are either brothers or father and son.

The guns are certainly interesting. I think the gun on the far left could be a Lefever side cocker. Just MHO.

This looks like a likely group of hunters that may have frequented "the drowned grounds" in Orange County NY.

I really like the "tall spats" on the guy on the left. I want a pair like that.

[Researcher]

I think the gun on the far left could be a Lefever side cocker. Just MHO.

Definitely not. The gun is a side-lever opening hammer gun. Somewhat similar to this gun --

Side-Lever Hammer Gun.jpeg

The Lefever side cocker cocked internal hammers. The lever went into the side, not on the bottom of the frame.

Side-Cocker.jpg

[Bruce Hering]

Originally Posted by Dave Noreen

Definitely not. The gun is a side-lever opening hammer gun. Somewhat similar to this gun --

Attachment 105598

The Lefever side cocker cocked internal hammers. The lever went into the side, not on the bottom of the frame.

Attachment 105599

Dave: You are correct it does appear to be an opening device and after another look I think those are those are back action locks.

[Phil Yearout]

I always fasten just the top button on my vest. Ease of movement? Beer gut? I really can't remember why, but...

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Phil Yearout

I always fasten just the top button on my vest. Ease of movement? Beer gut? I really can't remember why, but...

Looks pretty dapper to me!

[Bill Murphy]

A bird vest that fits great at home doesn't fit the same way with a couple of cockbirds in the game pocket, so we loosen the buttons.

[Gary Bodrato]

Not sure about those hand cockers, but the Dogs L-R Irish red and white setter, English setter, Irish red and white setter, American water spaniel. The leggings on the right gent look to about mid 1890's military style. Changed my mindon the two white dogs. They are either English water spaniels(extinct by 1930) or clumber spaniels. the front legs are to short and stocky for a setter