Gunsmith from Gettysburg, PA

**bigboredouble** · 03-10-2019 11:37 AM

Thanks for letting me join. I was told you may be able to help me with a rifle I have. It's a BSA made, Lee Speed Enfield Sporter, serial number 6422. It is stamped William Powell & Sons on the rib. I have been working with a historian who was able to find the original hand written ledger entry when this rifle was ordered. It says it was ordered by Lt. Col. Wheler of 114 Lansdowne Place Hove England icon

. I am trying to find any info on the Lt. Col. Wheler. Can anyone help me with this. I'm not sure where to look.

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**Highly Recommended** · 03-10-2019 11:37 AM

A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered. Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping. In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail. I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!). CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping.

Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles.

Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons

Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components.

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Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.

**browningautorifle** · 03-10-2019 12:54 PM

If you take the address to Google Earth and stand in front of the residence, it was very upscale back then...that would have been a hundred years back.

**bigboredouble** · 03-10-2019 03:31 PM

I really need to find out who this gentleman was and where he served. This rifle is going to be in 2 books that are being written.

**#1oilman** · 03-10-2019 04:05 PM

Beautiful piece! Great wood!

**Charlie303** · 03-10-2019 05:34 PM

BBD,
You might get the help you need if you post this on the Lee Enfield forum? I think it would be appropriate.
Cheers

**mrclark303** · 03-10-2019 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by browningautorifle

If you take the address to Google Earth and stand in front of the residence, it was very upscale back then...that would have been a hundred years back.

Very smart regency apartments Jim.

Looks expensive now, I'm sure they were just as expensive back then.

**bigboredouble** · 03-11-2019 12:34 AM

With alot of help on another forum, I think we discovered who the original owner was. Lt. Col Francis Henry Wheler 81st Rgmt who served in the Afghan Campaign from 1878-1880 and who was at the Battle of Ali Musjid. Here's the original ledger entry with translation. I need to find out all I can about Mr. Wheler.

**muffett.2008** · 03-11-2019 04:59 AM

You could try searching the Military listings for his name and rank. Along with the Unit records.

**Patrick Chadwick** · 03-11-2019 06:00 AM

How about this:

https://digital.nls.uk/british-milit...hive/104498666

An ensign in 1867 - that seems to fit.

Good luck with the search!
Patrick

**Patrick Chadwick** · 03-11-2019 06:16 AM

BTW, I watched the gunsmith film. Awesome dedication and patience to turn raw materials into a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

---------- Post added at 11:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:11 AM ----------

This could be F. H. Wheler's father:

Sir Francis Wheler, 10th Baronet - Wikipedia

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Wheler - 81st.

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