J. Orny -- Flintlock Rifle Maker

DrRod · Dec 3, 2020

We have a very old flintlock [converted to cap lock] rifle with the name J. Orny [or Orney] stamped on the top of the barrel just past the chamber. The barrel is rifled and overall the gun is pretty ornate. It has a brass patch box on the stock and several silver inlays along the wood below the barrel -- there's an American eagle, a hand with pointed finger, a yin/yang sort of thing, and some other shapes. The wood is also kind of ornate in that it has a tiger striped grain over its full length. I would bet this was a very high end rifle in its day, although the inlays may have been added later.

I can't find anything on "Orny/Orney" as a gun maker and thought that maybe it was the original owner. Anyone ever hear of this person or brand?

Thanks

Jstpssng · Dec 3, 2020

Sorry that I can't help you. However, that sounds like an interesting rifle and if you were comfortable posting pictures I'm sure that a lot of others besides me would love to see them. That also may help somebody to recognize the manufacturer.
I could be mistaken, but believe there were a lot of small manufacturers back then. If your firearm is original it was built before standardized production so everything was handmade.

MossRoad · Dec 3, 2020

You sure it was Orny or Orney and not Fordney?

Fullstock Flintlock Rifle by J. Fordney | Cowan's Auction House: The Midwest's Most Trusted Auction House / Antiques / Fine Art / Art Appraisals

DrRod · Dec 5, 2020

Hmmm -- that is interesting. Given its age, it possible a letter or two might have rubbed off. The wood, the barrel and the patch box on the stock look very similar but then maybe lots of guns of the era have similar characteristic. Its at my brother's house so I'll see if I can get some pictures.