Good info. It seems unlikely (my opinion) that the Thos. Forsyth name would be purely spurious, unless it was a name associated with an importer or seller in America. Certainly possible, unless Thos Forsyth. guns were sold in Europe as well. The ironmonger reference seems very possible, but I wonder how the gun got to the American Midwest?
There was a Thomas Forsyth that was an Indian Agent and Trade Post operator at Rock Island, IL in the early 1800s. He, died in 1830 so is not a candidate for having the guns made. But, it's possible his name was co-opted later for a "Trade Name".. All purely speculation.
To me, the most plausible theory is that of a London Ironmonger using the defunct Forsyth name to market Birmingham-sourced guns.
Last edited by Ken61; 03/30/15 11:03 AM.
