A couple of comments on the current dust-up, there have been no e-mail or pm's on the subject, everything has taken place here.
I can only repeat myself,
"I value first person accounts very highly of gunmakers I have an interest in. That does not mean I'm not going to try to verify everything."
This does not mean I think anyone is mistaken it means just what I said it does, I'm going to try to verify information I receive.
Mr. Lee's recollection of Mr. La Bantchni work history and background differ from information that I have previously collected. Because of this I have gone back over all information I have on him and have been working to try to verify EVERYTHING.
If and when I ever publish anything on Mr. La Bantchni I would like it to be accurate as possible.
This is the information posted by Mr. Lee, If I have misquoted please advise.
“Did beautiful work, both stock and metal. He was also a master engraver. Worked at Pachmayr's with August and Frank from the 1930's through the late 50's-early 60's. Went out on his own until his death. He was quite prolific, his guns appear with frequency and are steadily climbing in value. Hope this helps. Warmest Regards Jerry 1/21/2010”
"The name is not Santchni...it is LA BANTCHNI as in JULES outstanding riflemaker at Pachmayr's from the late 1930's until the late 60's...early 70's (and was on his own,I've been told to the early 80's) Google his name and you'll have the pleasure of seeing quite a few examples of his Classic style work. I met him while in CA.in the 60's on my way to Vietnam and spent quite a few hours at their shop recuperating, after a 2nd combat tour and a run in with a 60mm mortar round. They were kind, putting up with me on crutches and made me feel welcome. Jules and I spoke Italian in the shop (my mother was born in Palermo) and Frank said "Only German spoken Here". NIce Rifle. HTH. Jerry" 11/29/11
"Michael: Jules worked part-time for Pachmayr while he was still a machinist at Boeing Aircraft in Pasadena. I believe he went to work full time gunmaking with Frank, after he retired from Boeing in the early 50's. As to the German speaking...Yes but it was said in jest, due to his father's German Heritage. Jules spoke good Italian. On the other hand... Mi scusi mi Italiano e' molto bruto. Ciao Jerry"
