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MICHAEL SHEETS SIGNED WEST VIRGINIA KENTUCKY RIFLE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
MICHAEL SHEETS SIGNED WEST VIRGINIA KENTUCKY RIFLE
CIRCA 1825. Cal. 35. NSN. 55 1/2" Overall. Bbl. 39 1/2" oct. w/ inset silver blade front sight & fixed notch iron rear sight, signed in light script near breech w/ arrows “M. SHEETS”. Rifle is made w/ iron trigger guard, dbl. set triggers, brass ramrod pipes & nosecap, ramrod has brass & iron tip w/ attached wiping worm. Rifle is stocked in striped maple made w/ no buttplate & a simple hole drilled for ball lubricant. Michael Sheet’s father & grandfather were well known Virginia gunmakers as far back as the Revolutionary War, another generation of Sheets was still to come after Michael who died in 1836. The long gun making traditions of the Sheets family is discussed in 1987 seven page illustrated article by James Whisker which accompanies. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 1987 seven page illustrated article by James Whisker CONDITION: very good overall as restored. Bbl., lock, & trigger guard have dark iron patina w/ pitting, makers mark is visible though light. Reconversion, restored cock & battery, and lock screws. Stock is refinished & appears much better than the metal, w/ restoration above & forward of lock. PROVENANCE: Vol 32 # 7, Gun Report. From the Collection of John "Tim" Breth Jr. (01-17781/JS). ANTIQUE. $800-1,200