Bill Large barrel Zouave - odd barrel marking

[bones92]

Curious if anyone here might recognize what the odd 15EO marking might signify. Marked on a Zouave with a custom Bill Large barrel.

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[PETER HUGHES]

I believe that might be Ed Occi, 15th CVI. He and his brother are long time (50 plus year) members of the N-SSA.

[John Holland]

That's as good a guess as any! If anyone can contact Ed, why not show him the photo and ask him if it is his mark?

[bones92]

Yes, if anyone has his contact information and doesn't mind reaching out to ask him, I'd be very grateful.

[Lou Lou Lou]

Just spoke to Ed. He says it is his marking. BUT he says he still has the gun. Hasn't shot it in 10 years.

[Michael Bodner]

NOW its getting interesting!!!

[Lou Lou Lou]

Someone is gonna be surprised

[RaiderANV]

Someone had swiped Ed's gun and left a counterfeit in its place! The plot thickens.........

[Ron/The Old Reb]

Someone has been watching to much Star Trek. One or the other is in a time warp.
Live Long and Prosper.

[bones92]

Can someone please point him to this thread, or save and forward the photos to him? I bought the rifle in New Bern, NC a few months ago.

[bones92]

Just spoke to Ed. He says it is his marking. BUT he says he still has the gun. Hasn't shot it in 10 years.

Just to be sure... he does (or rather, did) have a 2-band with a Bill Large barrel, right? Just making sure we're talking about the same rifle.

If you happen to have his phone number, I would be much obliged if it were sent via PM.

[Lou Lou Lou]

I will ask him if I can give out his number

[geezmo]

I seem to remember from years ago that Ed used to set up new members and their firearms. He used to tweek, tune, sight in, etc. Since he shoots with the 15th Connecticut is it possible that the 15 OE was just a mark he put on any of the firearms he put together or worked on? He may still have his, as he says, but there may be others.

Barry S.

[bones92]

I will ask him if I can give out his number

Thanks! Or an email, if he prefers. I won't bother him, but if it is his marking, I would greatly enjoy the opportunity to chat with him and learn a bit.

[Lou Lou Lou]

Ed doesn't do email or BB. Doesn't want his tel. number shared. Here is the full story. Back around 1963 they bought fifteen Large Zouave barrels. There were two left and Ed took them and made them up. He sold one, still has one, definitely. He cant remember who he sold the other gun to, it was so long ago. Mystery solved. He marked both guns. You have one. Hope this helps.

[bones92]

Lou,

Very much appreciated. I'm glad to have a forum where such networking and information-sharing is available.




Ed doesn't do email or BB. Doesn't want his tel. number shared. Here is the full story. Back around 1963 they bought fifteen Large Zouave barrels. There were two left and Ed took them and made them up. He sold one, still has one, definitely. He cant remember who he sold the other gun to, it was so long ago. Mystery solved. He marked both guns. You have one. Hope this helps.

[bones92]

I thought I'd share a few more photos of this rifle-musket. Note the serial numbering of the lock, hammer and triggerguard. And it's been glass-bedded a bit at the breech end.

Would this be okay to use in N-SSA competition?

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[Lou Lou Lou]

It should be fine

[RaiderANV]

Would be a great skirmish gun

[Timmeu]

My son shoots a Bill Large barreled Zouave. It is a great skirmish gun! Nice find!

[bones92]

My son shoots a Bill Large barreled Zouave. It is a great skirmish gun! Nice find!

What size bullet does he use? I'm curious as to what bore size Bill Large preferred.

[Timmeu]

A Lyman Blue gray .578 sized to .577, 45 grains of goex 3f. Mcm Lube with crisco in the base.

[bones92]

Excellent. I will keep this in mind.