Carroll, Michael R. New Hampshire Guns and Gunmakers of the 18th and 19th Centuries

From the era preceding the American Revolution to the years following the Civil War, independent gunsmiths and arms dealers flourished throughout the colonyand later the stateof New Hampshire. These were small-scale operations, typically employing between one and 15 or 20 workers. Arguably New Hampshires most prolific gunsmith of that era, David Hall Hilliard, crafted approximately 3,000 firearms over the course of some 35 years. In addition to firearms of excellent quality, Hilliard also built cabinets and cooking stoves; moreover, he sold medicines, issued small loans, and repaired carriages. His workshop was located on his familys farm. Firearms collectors will appreciate the hundreds of photographs that depict, in rich detail, more than 100 antique pistols and long guns; however, the authors research extends far beyond the weapons themselves. The manuscript is organized alphabetically by the names of the gunsmiths and dealers. Individual entries contain biographical details regarding these individuals, as well as descriptions of historical sites and events. The text offers an unexpected glimpse into life in a small state long ago.