| Steve's Corner |
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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." |
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Fabricated in Belgium
Steve’s research found “that based on the proof marks on its barrels, James B. Libby’s 12-gauge double barrel pinfire shotgun was at least partially fabricated in Belgium. The marks (which were, and still are, government-mandated) indicate that the gun was made no earlier than 1853. In addition, the manner in which the gun locks into battery strongly suggests that it was manufactured no later than the late 1850s. The pinfire was a transitional ignition technology that came between muzzle loading firearms and the modern center fire system. The pinfire cartridge was perfected in the late-1840s and was obsolete by the late-1860s.
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? |
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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.
—November 30, 1826
By the age of sixteen, James was clerking full time in his father’s store on Main Street Limerick, and afterward carried on business in Limerick himself at the firm founded by his brother Harrison in Limerick - H. J. Libby & Co. - until 1846. Harrison moved to Portland, Maine in 1835 and started another dry goods business. James joined that firm in 1837 while continuing to work and live in Limerick.
James married Hannah Morrill and their three children were all born in Limerick.
H.J.Libby & Co. on Middle Street did very well in Portland and became very largely identified with the cotton and woolen manufacturers of Maine. By 1862 James had moved to New York and was managing a branch of H.J.Libby & Co. there. His daughter Mary married a New Yorker. His two sons, Augustus and Charles, would graduate from Bowdoin College. Charles would make Maine his lifelong home and contribute greatly to the state both economically and politically. |
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| Descendants |
| Children: | | Grandchildren: |
| Mary Catherine Libby | m. Clarence Hamilton Corning - 6/5/1866 | Son: Howard Corning - b. 6/28/1867 Portland |
| Augustus Frost Libby | m. Harriet M. Robbins of Brunswick - 12/18/1866 | Son: Walter - b. 3/26/1874 Brooklyn, NY |
| Charles Freeman Libby | m. Alice Bradbury of Portland - 12/9/1869 | Son: Bion B. - b. 7/26/1886 |
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The Question?
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 |
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