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Antique gun show brings enthusiasts to Harmony

Tom Rossman, a muzzleloader enthusiast, stands with some of his historic muzzleloaders. He had a number of them for sale at the Harmony Antique Gun Show Saturday at the Harmony Museum. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

HARMONY — The number of people who revere the earliest American firearms seems to be declining, but a dedicated few made their annual pilgrimage to the borough to show their collections.

The antique gun show Saturday at the Harmony Museum featured old guns that are meant to be treasured rather than fired and other early American artifacts.

“I recommend, and most collectors will recommend, you don’t fire an antique gun,” said Ed Rayl, of Gassaway, W.Va., who makes custom and replacement barrels, locks and other metal parts for old guns. “If I break (a part) on one of these, it has to be made.”

The guns he brought to the show included a .45-caliber flintlock rifle made by Henry Mauger, of Douglas Township, Berks County. Rayl estimated the gun was manufactured between 1790 and 1800.

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