Was wondering if any of you fine folks out there had a P.A. Reinhard rifle in your collections?
Reinhard was born in Bavaria in 1827, and emigrated to the United States (Columbus, OH) at the age of 5. In 1847 he became an apprentice to a gunsmith in Columbus, and two years later moved to Loudonville, OH to open his own shop. His ambition to build great rifles led him to apprentice with world-renown gunsmith William Billinghurst in 1855, and he didn't return to Loudonville until 1857 or 1858. Once back from Billinghurst's, Peter's rifles were on the map as some of the best in the country. Reinhard was one of the first nationally known marksman, always using his own rifles. He won numerous regional matches, and took the National prize in 1877. He became so well known as a marksman that there are records of matches across the midwest being cancelled once he arrived, because other competitors refused to compete against him. To prove the workmanship of his rifles, he would use his customer's rifles in the matches...rather than building a superior one of his own. His rifles still hold numerous records, and still win. In fact, a Reinhard took home the State Championship (Ohio) last year. His was, and still is, considered one of the greatest American muzzleloading gunsmiths to live.
Of course I may be slightly biased, as I run the museum in Loudonville and therefore spend quite a bit of time fondling and drooling (oops, don't tell the archivist) over his rifles. I've met and spoken with people all over the country that own his rifles, and they turn up quite a bit. Markings generally include things along the lines of: P.A. Reinhard, Ashland Co. O., with a date and occasionally a square and compass (masonic). He built both target and hunting rifles, all custom made for the buyer...so they come in all shapes and sizes.
So, anyone know of any out there? If you ever find any at auctions let me know!
PS - not sure why the photo doesn't work. It's a photo of Reinhard holding one of his.
