doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Three Barrel Gun Co drilling

"I had to contact a fellow in New Mexico. He lived in a remote house that didn't have electricity. You had to call him between certain hours, his phone only worked while he ran his generator.
He supplied no letter only a verbal list of the guns features.
I think his name is Maurice Munge (or something close to that)."

David is correct, this individual's name was Maurice Mudge. I first became aware of Maurice in about 1989 when I became interested in researching and collecting SAC guns and heard that he had a few examples. Maurice owned a gun shop in up-state New York and we used to visit via telephone from time to time. He shared copies of old magazine adds and stories of guns he'd seen and/or owned, shared serial numbers and grade data on the 5 SAC guns in his collection; and said he owned a collection totaling 25 of the Hollenbeck drillings (seemed to have a passion for these drillings). It was thru these conversations that I first heard of Rudy Kostelecky; and that Rudy owned the surviving company records and parts. In one of my last conversations with Maurice he told me he'd purchased those records and parts from Rudy; but where they are now I've no idea, nor do I know if Maurice is still with us either. The last time I spoke to Maurice he announced he was retiring; said he'd purchased 500 acres in New Mexico and would be selling his shop and relocating there. This was sometime in the mid to late 90's and I've not heard from him since. Many of his guns were sold at auction by Amoskeag; and from that auction I purchased an early Grade D SAC gun he owned. Interestingly, there was only one of Maurice's Hollenbeck drillings offered in that auction; a high grade example with engraved dogs, and I heard that one of our members here purchased that gun? I've no idea where the others went; but have wondered if they were purchased by the collector who's recently consigned multiple Hollenbeck drillings to Cherry's.

According to Ron Peterson Mr. Mudge is still with us. He has moved back to New York and is no longer in New Mexico. Mr. Mudge sold his SAC�s/Hollenbeck collection at the March 27th, 1999 Amoskeag Auction.

One Friday night in 1992 I got a call from Mr Mudge. He found out
from Devine's Auction that I had bought 2 Kirkwood Shell Boxes-
He wanted one and I sold one.
In our conversation he told me about his collection of Drillings-this interested me as I had a Kirkwood Drilling. He wanted me to
be on the lookout for Three Barrell Gun Co serial # 5 1/2 a
20 X 20 X 25xx ( Do not remember exact Caliber).
The next day I went to the Charlotte NC Gunshow- low and behold
I found the Gun-called Mr Mudge that night -he wanted gun-$1500
Sent someone to get it the next day-all was happy.

Several years latter I went on a business meeting-drug along
4 Kirkwoods and took a day trip to see Mr Mudge.
Saw his guns and records-saw the Ledger with gun 5 1/2 listed

At that time Morris had a beautiful Lefever B Grade Side-Cocker
Drilling-showed him my D Kirkwood 34 in Hammer Drilling 12x12x
38-55-He smiled

Later bought a Hammerless D Kirkwood Drilling paradox 12x12x38-55
from him.
Knew he Moved-Glad to hear he is still up and around

My Drillings will be at The Southern- if you wish to shoot them
bring you shells-also Kirkwood Doubles

Regards
Bill McPhail

I always wondered about SN # 5 1/2! Why it was Serial numbered that way and if it still existed. I�d love to see that gun! I have #7 and didn�t know of any in existence below that. Neat story Phil. Thanx for sharing.

Bill
Looking forward to seeing you at the Southern; where will your table be?
Tom

Front tent-same as last year I assume.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Will bring my Kirkwoods and have an unofficial
"Team Kirkwood"-pick a gun -shooter supplies RST shells
Bill

Front tent-same as last year I assume.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Will bring my Kirkwoods and have an unofficial
"Team Kirkwood"-pick a gun -shooter supplies RST shells
Bill

Bill
There's two "front" tents; so for clarification, will you be in the "front" tent by the clubhouse or the "front" tent down there next to the RST shells display? (I know, I'm being a smart-a#*)

Tom
The Tent right by the RST Truck-
Tables in the middle on the side of the RST Truck
See you there
Bill

This post made us (Lefever Arms Collectors Association) decide to reproduce the American Drilling display that we had in Baltimore at the Southern. On display will be drillings from: D. M. Lefever (sidecocker). Lefever Arms Co. (AA grade), Baker, L.C. Smith, Hallenbeck, Three Barrel Gun Co, Royal Gun Co., and D. Kirkwood.
We will be in the tent down from Bill, closer to the L.C. Smith/Parker tent if everything is the same as the last few years. There will be a few Lefevers for sale and several high grades on display.