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Posted By: Vall Bill Van Horne? - 10/21/22 05:32 PM
Does anyone recognize the name, Bill Van Horne?
Supposedly in Stout, Ohio and made barrels for a number of single shot rifles? Also did some high end restoration work, and his wife Emma did checkering for the stocks Bill did.

I recently purchased a 1874 Sharps with George Freund's stamp on the receiver, and the typical Freund Bros. improvements to the action. A records check shows the Sharps was sold in Feb. 1880 to the Denver gun shop of Carlos Gove and JP Lower. Then either resold to George Freund in Durango, or whoever bought it took it to Freund to have the improvements done.
Sometime around the early 1970's I believe it was redone by Bill Van Horne, but I can't seem to find any info on him anywhere?

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Freund's stamp left receiver panel:
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]
Posted By: Kutter Re: Bill Van Horne? - 10/21/22 10:34 PM
https://lsbauctions.com/24643/w-s-van-horne-custom-ballard-40-50-ss-30-octagonal-single-shot-rifle/

A Ballard rebbl'd by W.S.Van Horne ..Stout, Ohio

Not much,,but it does give you a middle initial & positively places him in Stout, Ohio,, if nothing else.
Posted By: Vall Re: Bill Van Horne? - 10/22/22 02:47 PM
Thanks Kutter. That's a little more, and confirms his location.
Posted By: irs Re: Bill Van Horne? - 10/29/22 08:02 AM
https://stevebarnettfineguns.com/custom-rifles-3-for-sale/van-horn-custom-pre-64-model-70-270
Posted By: Vall Re: Bill Van Horne? - 10/31/22 07:57 PM

I believe that's a different "Van Horn", not "Van Horne". I have found reference to a Gil Van Horn who was a stock maker for Weatherby, and also restored some high end bolt actions at his home shop. That Van Horn was in Southern California, not Ohio, and of course spelled differently.
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