The serial number might help. According to one source, the Steve Meunier Gun Company was active from 1880 to 1915, so that would suggest not. Another source, Outdoor Recreation from 1919 says
"The following firms make a specialty of remodeling Springfield rifles and can be relied upon.
Kirkwood Bros. Boston, Mass; Steve Meunier Gun Co, Milwaukee Wis: A.O. Niedner 4 Beacon St Walden, Mass;
Mr Petersen of Denver, Colo."
This would suggest he was active to at least 1919.
Given that the Model 54 didn't come out till 1925. For all, I know, Meunier could have been dead by then.
Has anyone ever heard of this "Mr Petersen of Denver, Colo".
Has anyone ever heard of this "Mr Petersen of Denver, Colo".
I hope, or assume this was tongue in cheek? Mr. Peterson of Denver, Co. was the partner in later years to George C. Schoyen of Denver. One of the finest single shot gun makers in the late 1800's, and in my opinion the equl to Pope in barrel making.
AW Peterson joined Schoyen late in Schoyen's life, and bought his shop from Schoyen's widow after his death. AW Peterson was an accomplished barrel maker himself, and a fine gunmaker also. He additionally made his Peterson rifle scopes that are prized by collectors today, as are his rifles! One of the early 1900's finest gun makers in his own right.
I own a AW Peterson Ballard Schuetzen rifle in .22lR. Peterson's specialty was .22RF schuetzen rifles, although he made larger calibers also. Just had a reputation for fine .22 rifles, and superbly accurate .22 barrels.
Thanks, I had heard of AW Petersen, but didn't make the connection.
The company might have been around, but this is what I found about
Stephan Meunier
Stephan Meunier, son of John Michael Meunier and Anna Gertrude Kropp, was * born on Friday, 02 June 1854 in Ramrath, Bavaria, [reported as 02 June 1953 by Barbara and the museum Michael Meunier DIC and 02 June 1854 by the museum Michael Meunier FWS and his birth record].2,1,3 In 1877, Stephan oo married Mathilda Reifenstuhl.4 Stephan + died, at the age of 67 years, on Wednesday, 24 May 1922 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.5 He is ± buried in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Milwaukee.5,6 The location is Block 5, Section D, Lot 121, Grave 1.
Stephan emigrated at the age of 4 departing Wörishofen, Bavaria through Havre, France arriving New York on 09 September 1858 via the ship John H Ryerson and entered the country through Castle Garden. Stephen accompanied his parents. He was 4 years old.
