Michael, I have a question, did Niedner keep a book of what rifles his shop worked on and what was done to them? It would make fascinating reading as well as being an important historical document. Harry
Niedner started doing gun work full time, in Malden, Mass. around 1906 or so. After he died Mr. "B" got Niedner's shop books, note books and cash books from Malden dated 1910-1919.
About thirty years ago Mr. "R" a friend of Mr. "B"'s decided these were too valuable (historically) to be in the care of one person. Mr. "R" borrowed everything, made copies and set them to me. A few years ago Mr. "B" died and NOTHING of Niedner's was found. If it was I never learned about it.
Niedner then relocated to Dowagiac, Michigan and for the years 1920-1940 the shop books are missing. I believe that many of the records were held by Thomas Shelhamer, they have been saved but are not available for study. I don't know if they every will be, I intervened and stopped them from heading to the dump but beyond that I have no idea.
From the Malden shop books.
