Looking for photo of M1840 conversion by John Wurfflein federal contractor.

[maillemaker]

Hi all,

This is a long shot, but I am looking for any photos anyone might have of an M1840 flintlock-to-conversion performed by the firm of Wurfflein of Philadelphia.

Guns might be marked "A. Wurfflien" or "A.W."

The firm of Wurfflein performed some 2500 conversions of flintlocks for the federal government. They had rear sites added in anticipation of rifling, but were never rifled.

Thanks,
Steve

[bedbugbilly]

Just an off the wall thought -

Check with Lodgewood Mfg - maybe dead end but they might have run across one at one time and have a photo?

Check with N-SSA and perhaps someone there could steer you in the right direction to look?

I know that I don't have any books that show one but there has to be a book or source that has catalogued one of their conversions somewhere. IIRC, West Point has quite a collection so you might contact their museum.

Good luck in your search!

[maillemaker]

Yup, I'm on the N-SSA forum.

I have been in touch with most of the major museums including West Point - so far no luck. Even got in touch with Moller who wrote the bible on flintlock conversions - he does not have one either. Also got in touch with a fellow who he and his wife did a bunch of research on Wurfflein - no luck there either.

My hope is that Wurfflein filled in the flash pan notch on their lock plates and used a flat-bottomed bolster like the 1842 has.

Steve

[Grmps]

http://www.n-ssa.net/vbforum/showthread.php/14942-The-saga-of-the-home-made-H-amp-P-Conversion!? ?

[skeettx]

No
but
good reading
http://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Wurffleins-Gunsmiths-Philadelphia-B079_Willadsen.pdf

[maillemaker]

Yup, that N-SSA forum thread is mine. And I have seen the Willadsen article. Thanks though!

Steve