December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2024
Circa 1790-1815. Wheeler worked earlier also but he was one of 16 contractors hired by the British Board of Ordnance during the War of 1812. These guns were manufactured for trade with friendly Native Americans. The three-stage barrel has an iron half moon front sight. On the top flat it is marked marked "LONDON". There are two private proofs on the left side of the breech and "*/RW" for maker Richard Wheeler. The slightly convex lockplate is engraved with double line borders and is stamped in the center with the Northwest Trade symbol. The tail is stamped "WHEELER". The furniture includes a brass buttplate and a brass serpent sideplate. The large trigger guard is iron and the ramrod ferrules are the baluster type. Plain walnut stock of 18th-century form, relief carving around barrel tang. CONDITION: Barrel retains a brown patina, with some corrosion at the breech. Lock converted to percussion, functions properly, and mechanism is strong. Markings are very good. Lock retains a grey patina. Iron trigger guard has a dark brown patina. Brass retains a pleasing mustard and dark mustard patina. Walnut stock shows scattered minor storage marks and age cracks. Last 30" of forend restored, ferrules and nose band are contemporary.