T.L. Golcher

[Bill Murphy]

T.L. Golcher mostly sold guns made by Lindner in Germany or Prussia. They are very similar to guns made by Lindner and marketed by Charles Daly. My T.L. Golcher marked guns are all of a quality less than a Daly Diamond Grade but higher grade than Daly base grade guns. If you will provide pictures, we can explain the markings. Most Golcher guns seem to be mixed in with Lindner and Daly serial numbers. Guns shipped for the US market did not require proof marks.

[Drew Hause]

Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire required proof starting in 1891. Thereafter, whether for domestic sale or export, proof, and proof marks were mandatory. I don't know the rules for unfinished actions for export.

Lindner Daly Model 125 manufactured c. 1900



Winter 2005 DGJ "Ghost or Gunmaker - The Mystery of H.A. Lindner - Part II"
Imprints such as Prussia, Thuringia and Saxony on the water tables and barrel flats on many guns indicate that they were destined for the United States as their final destination. The U.S. Trade Laws prior to 1891 had no requirement that a country of origin be marked on product or merchandise. The Law was amended in 1891 to say that the name of the country of origin be imprinted. We therefore see Thuringia, Italy, Nippon and the like on guns of the period and up to 1921. This Trade Law was again amended in 1921 to read that the imprint must state , "Made in Country of Origin". We see, then, Made in England, Made in Italy, etc.

[Bill Murphy]

Drew, how do explain the 1120 number on the water table and the 4xx number on the trigger guard on an original looking gun? Also, no crossed pistols on an obviously Linder made gun? When is the estimated date of manufacture of this gun? The seller requires an FFL to send it. ATF says that they don't want antique guns in their licensee's files. Any comment?

[Drew Hause]

The DOM is the issue, and I don't know if the absence of proof marks are viewed by ATF as adequate evidence for pre-1892 production (satisfying the pre-1898 rule.)