Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Rifle, Percussion |
Catalog Number |
2021.42.1 |
Maker |
Dickson & Gilmore |
Date |
1855 |
Material(s) |
Wood/Iron/Brass |
Dimensions |
H-5.75 W-1.5 L-58 inches |
Description |
This Dickson & Gilmore rifle is a rifled bore, muzzle loading, percussion long gun. The hardwood stock has a faux tiger wood finish. The stock has a should rest at the butt end on the opposite side of the lock. There are two keys inset in the stock along the barrel. The barrel is octogen in shape, has an iron rear sight, a brass front sight, and two tang screws. On the top is stamped "M. Dickson / & J.J. Gilmore / Louisville KY." The percussion hammer is intact as is the brass nipple. The lock plate appears to be silver, is inscribed with "C. Baker" and has decorative flourishes and the image of three pheasants. There is a hair trigger and a set trigger. The trigger guard is made of brass. The butt plate is made of brass. The ramrod is wood with a faux stripe finish with a brass tip. The three ramrod keepers are made of brass. |
Notes |
This rifle was manufactured approximately 1850. It was used by Willis Augustus Lee, a five-time Olympic medalist in shooting sports (see 1920 Olympic Medals in collection 1965.8). According to family history, this rifle was in use by the family for generations. Many family members were taught to shoot using this rifle, including Wills Lee, his sister Lucy Lee, and her children. The makers, Moses Dickson and James J. Gilmore, were active as partners as gunsmiths in Louisville, Kentucky from the 1840s to about 1860. In 1844 and 1859 they were located at No. 52, 3rd Street between Main and Market Streets. The lock was made by C. Baker, a manufacturer whose locks were used by gunsmiths, particularly for sporting rifles. Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee was born in Natlee in Owen County, Kentucky. He attended Annapolis and remained in the Navy until his death in 1945. A noted marksman, he received numerous contest awards, and won seven medals in the 1920 Olympics. He served as Commander of Battleships of the Pacific Fleet during WWII. Lee was honored with a Navy ship bearing his name in 1954, USS Willis A. Lee (DD-929), a Mitscher-class destroyer. |
Collection |
Nancy Clausen Collection |
People |
Lee, Willis Augustus, 1888-1945 M. Dickson & J.J. Gilmore |
Subjects |
Weapons Shooting Hunting Rifles |
Search Terms |
Sports Owen County (Ky.) Hunting |