A little something for Roper fans....article now added thanks to Mr. Wilson

[weatherby]

I was at a LGS where I picked up the set of Ropers pictured.
He had some books for sale and this one caught my eye.
I bought it.I've spent 5 bucks in worse ways.
Inside the book was the newspaper article.
Seems pretty definitive Matheis was still crafting in 1954.
I thought that was interesting also some of the woods listed that he made them out of.

 

[410bore]

very cool Paul. Please scan that if you have the capability. I'm sure some members (besides myself) would enjoy having a nice copy of it.

 

[weatherby]

Please scan that if you have the capability

That was funny.....I can barely log on.

 

[66Park]

Outstanding find! Have you had a chance to check out the book? If so, what did you think? I was thinking of tracking down a used copy.

 

[weatherby]

Outstanding find! Have you had a chance to check out the book? If so, what did you think? I was thinking of tracking down a used copy.

Just briefly as I went to work just after picking it up.
Been running around all day today.
If he has another copy I'll snag it for you.
I'm hoping he has the other book By Mr. Roper too.

The article lists that he made some out of Birdseye maple and ebony I'd sure like to find those

 

[DCWilson]

Nice score on both the book and the wood.

Roper's "Pistol and Revolver Shooting" has been reprinted. You can get it through Amazon, and probably other places too.

 

[weatherby]

Thanks David I'm hoping this guy has an original one out back
He said he has a bunch more books he just wants to get rid of.
I stopped back today and picked up a few other books.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Great book! I bought one quite reasonably (but not for $5!) a few years ago through Amazon. About half of that book (or maybe a LITTLE less) is about my beloved H&R USRA pistol, AKA Model 195.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

I like how the newspaper calls them "Gun handles" LOL

 

[bigmoose]

Those Roper grips you have look outstanding!

 

[Homie]

What a great find. My mother and I lived with her parents about 150 yards away from Mr. Gagne (131 Main St.) while my father was flying with the 8th AF in '44 and '45. Wish I'd known then.........!

Thanks.

 

[66Park]

Just briefly as I went to work just after picking it up.
Been running around all day today.
If he has another copy I'll snag it for you.
I'm hoping he has the other book By Mr. Roper too.

That would be exceptionally cool!

The article lists that he made some out of Birdseye maple and ebony I'd sure like to find those

That would be exceptionally cool, too!

 

[boykinlp]

I think it is pretty amazing that Gagne was 84 years old in 1954 and still working at a job which would require alot of skill and "hands of steel". I hope when I am 84 that I will be able to get off the couch by myself. Of course, since it is difficult now, I have no chance.

Do we know when he started making grips?

 

[weatherby]

Those Roper grips you have look outstanding!

I just accidently took a "good " picture

 

[kwill1911]

How about just a good, clear picture of the article?

 

[weatherby]

How about just a good, clear picture of the article?

I'll try and if that doesn't work I'll get someone to scan it

 

[Homie]

The article lists that he made some out of Birdseye maple and ebony I'd sure like to find those

On the back cover of the '52 Gun Digest a pair of engraved CMs are shown with maple "Target" stocks. During a discussion a while back it was thought that these were custom Ropers as they would have been too early and too fancy for factory production.

Maybe one of the wizards can elaborate.

 

[Keith Brown]

Hello weatherby, very nice score on the grips and book, the newspaper article is a real treasure, I would also enjoy being able to read the text along with a better look at the photo. I knew Gagne was still working in 52 but was not sure beyond that. Walter Roper died in 54, maybe that was the reason behind the article from a human interest angle. I would also very much enjoy more photos of the grips, both sides, bottom, back profile, inside, whatever you might like to show if you would have the time. Mathias Gagne was the master of his trade. I have had the good fortune to have examined many examples of his work due to the kindness of many here on the forum, Lee even loaned me a box full once just to paw through! To have done the type of consistent work Mathias gagne did with tools and lighting available at the time and in the workspace he had is simply amazing to me and serves as inspiration to get it done right. Anyone have a photo of the 52 Gun Digest photo mentioned, I've not seen it before. Anything he produced in something other than Walnut would have to be ultra rare.

Keith

 

[Green Frog]

The books are fine, but I agree with those who are excited about the grips themselves. I don't get the chance to buy, only see and lust after the Roper grips I encounter. Most of what I see in my LGS are plastic or rubber.

Froggie

 

[weatherby]

Keith I'll get more pictures of the stocks over the weekend and IM them to you.
I will also get someone to scan the article and post it in this thread
Thanks Paul