Johann Valtin Bader

[Mark Poley]

Johann Valtin Bader was a gunsmith in Zella Germany in the middle 1700s. My 5th great grandfather Johan Valtin Bohlich was born in Zella in 1749. Johan Valtin Bader was the sponsor at his baptisim. Bader is listed on the baptismal record as a citizen and Bushenmacher. Bohilch's father is listed as a citizen and master Kettenschmied, which I'm told is a blacksmith that made chain. I have looked on the web page for Zella and they list Bader as a prominent gunsmith there but, no other info. Has anyone here seen a gun or a photo of a gun made by him? Any other information that you could share about him would be very much appreciated.
Thank you very much, Mark Poley

[germanguns1234]

There are a lot of gunsmiths in the centerfire age named Bader. Also some named Bohlig. Have you checked with your relatives in Zella_Mehlis? I think some are still there.

[mike ford]

Mark,
I think it is really neat that you were able to find this information about your family.
Mike

[Mark Poley]

Thank you for the replies. Johann Valtin Bohlich immigrated to Trappe, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania with his parents in 1754. We are also trying to establish whether Johann Valtin Bader was a family friend or a relative. I think Axel had also mentioned, on a reply to a post I had placed on another forum about my Collath Mauser, that there were a number of Bohlich/ Bohlig gunsmiths in Zella Mehlis area years ago and the Bohlich/Bohlig name is still found in the area. I need to do more research.
Thank you again, Mark