I am a little surprised to find Mr. Carpenter used a "Poor Man's Griffin and Howe".
There could be many reasons. Perhaps he had a personal connection with someone at Sedgley. Maybe he wanted a nice but less expensive rifle to use as a beater or a loaner. Maybe he wanted a .35 Whelen, but the wait time at G&H was too long and the Sedgley was available. Maybe he took it to settle a debt and had someone engrave the plate. Maybe he was just a gun nut....
That is a great photo by the way! Its really funny, seeing the different expressions and attitudes on display. Looks like the gentleman, second from the right, is being propped up or steadied. Wonder what's up with that?
