Unfinished Story of a Maine Gun

Its pristine condition first caught Steve Helsley’s attention, but the inscription on the stock - ”Presented to James B. Libby Portland, Me.” is what compelled him to add it to his collection.  Steve says he ‘was at the August 2003 Reno Gun show with every intention of buying only a couple of small accessories. However, I have a weakness for fine antique firearms with a traceable provenance.  The “Libby” gun quickly became mine, and the process of learning about both him and its Parisian gun maker, F. P. Beringer, began immediately.’

Pinfires that can be clearly associated with American owners are very uncommon.  Most pinfires were made in Europe; only one American firm manufactured pinfire shotguns and their short run began in the late 1860s.

During the Civil War, between 10,000 and 15,000 pinfire revolvers were imported, primarily from Belgium and France for use by both Union and Confederate troops.  The most famous of pinfire revolver aficionado was Lt. General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson who was given a Belgian gun by his troops. It is likely that the disruption of the Civil War and the speed of firearm technology advancement kept the pinfire from establishing a foothold in the United States.  So how, when and why did a Maine businessman come to own such a fine and unusual - in this country - shotgun?”

James Brackett Libby

James B. Libby was born in Limerick, Maine August 1, 1816. His parents were Rev. Elias Libby and Jane Jewell who were married Nov. 28, 1809.  Shortly after their marriage they moved to Limerick and established a large general store.  James was the third of 8 children.

When James was 10 years old his father published the following advertisement in the Limerick ‘Morning Star’ newspaper:

Elias Libby would inform his customers that he has just added to his stock of Goods, and has on hand almost every kind wanted in the country:  such as cloths, yarns. Hard and Hollow Ware, Saddlery, Crockery-ware, and West India Goods. He has a good assortment of Family Medicines, Oil and Paints of various kinds. Just received a new lot of Coast-iron. Has also on hand a number of Chaises, Gigs, Wagons, and sleighs, and some Furniture; any of which may be had on good terms.  Also a constant assortment of Ploughs...which will be sold on usual terms.  He will supply purchases with writing and wrapping paper by the Ream, and with Books, Stationery, Hats, Etc.

Steve Helsley states, “James Libby’s gun is of high grade. It’s cost would have approached $100 - a large sum in the 1850s. It was little used and well maintained.  Since it was a present to him, one could reasonably assume that it was a gift.  What event - a closing of a big business deal, a birthday present, a thank you for community service, would result in such a splendid gift.  And if Libby was a sportsman, why not present him a more traditional, American-made gun instead of this fancy piece from France that required such uncommon ammunition? “

Steve would like to learn as much as he can about the Libby ‘Maine Gun”. Does anyone out there know more about James Brackett Libby?  Does he still have relatives here in Maine, New York or elsewhere? Steve Helsey believes that before Reno, the gun was sold at an auction in New Hampshire - was the gun in the family until then? Can you help finish the story?

If you can help Steve with his research he would appreciate  hearing from you:

Steve Helsley

1040 Brookline Circle

El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762

schmjh@pacbell.net

Nestled in the foothills of western Maine, is the village of Limerick. Offering beautiful vistas and friendly folk, you are invited to drop by anytime.

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