Excavated Rifle

DGS22 · July 24, 2013, 07:26 PM

Henry excavated 002.JPG

Henry excavated 003.JPG

A few years ago we excavated (3-ft deep) this old (I believe Henry) rifle in Elko, NV.The only old fort was in Halleck about 20 miles away. The gun is trashed, but I can't help but wonder about it's history. It is clearly marked
"E M co 12". Any history buffs?

James K · July 24, 2013, 07:42 PM

That one was used to shoot at "Injuns" sneaking around the corner.

Seriously, the bronze receiver indicates it is, or rather was, a Henry, that might have been used as a pry bar in an emergency. The "E.M. Co." could stand for "Elko Mining Co." but someone would have to "dig"

into the history of the area to be sure.

Company guns like that (they are fairly common in the PA coal country as well), were often bought used or as military surplus, rather than new, so there might be other markings as well.

Jim

Old Stony · July 24, 2013, 08:34 PM

I seem to remember mines all around the Elko area, so you could be right. It would really be interesting to hear the history of it.

Alex Johnson · July 30, 2013, 06:17 PM

Even in that condition you would probably be surprised at what it would sell for. Don't give it away in any event, and get some documentation to back up where it was found and when. Also, I wouldn't try cleaning it up any further.

James K · July 30, 2013, 08:29 PM

"Dug" guns do have some value, especially Civil War relics if they can be documented to a battle site. But forget about the "fix it up like new and sell it" idea. While some folks have put in a lot of work trying to "restore" dug guns, but I have never seen one that would not have been more valuable as it was, as a relic.

Jim

July 24, 2013, 07:26 PM	#1
DGS22 Junior Member Join Date: July 24, 2013 Posts: 1	Excavated Rifle Henry excavated 002.JPG Henry excavated 003.JPG A few years ago we excavated (3-ft deep) this old (I believe Henry) rifle in Elko, NV.The only old fort was in Halleck about 20 miles away. The gun is trashed, but I can't help but wonder about it's history. It is clearly marked "E M co 12". Any history buffs?

July 24, 2013, 07:42 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	That one was used to shoot at "Injuns" sneaking around the corner. Seriously, the bronze receiver indicates it is, or rather was, a Henry, that might have been used as a pry bar in an emergency. The "E.M. Co." could stand for "Elko Mining Co." but someone would have to "dig" into the history of the area to be sure. Company guns like that (they are fairly common in the PA coal country as well), were often bought used or as military surplus, rather than new, so there might be other markings as well. Jim Last edited by James K; July 24, 2013 at 07:48 PM.

July 30, 2013, 06:17 PM	#4
Alex Johnson Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2000 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 812	Even in that condition you would probably be surprised at what it would sell for. Don't give it away in any event, and get some documentation to back up where it was found and when. Also, I wouldn't try cleaning it up any further. __________________ I thoroughly disapprove of duels. I consider them unwise and I know they are dangerous. Also, sinful. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet retired spot and kill him. - Mark Twain

July 24, 2013, 08:34 PM	#3
Old Stony Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2013 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,705	I seem to remember mines all around the Elko area, so you could be right. It would really be interesting to hear the history of it.

July 30, 2013, 08:29 PM	#5
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	"Dug" guns do have some value, especially Civil War relics if they can be documented to a battle site. But forget about the "fix it up like new and sell it" idea. While some folks have put in a lot of work trying to "restore" dug guns, but I have never seen one that would not have been more valuable as it was, as a relic. Jim