AmericanLongRifles Forums

General discussion => Contemporary Longrifle Collecting => Topic started by: Mike Brooks on April 01, 2018, 12:39:38 AM

Title: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Mike Brooks on April 01, 2018, 12:39:38 AM
Finally finished up the Sheetz gun I've been working on. Local grown (Illinois bluff along the Mississippi) walnut stock with some curl and nice and hard. Rice 42" "Southern Classic .50 swamped barrel, RE Davis Late Ketland lock and Davis triggers. Everything that looks silver is sterling, except for the thumbpiece and feather hole inlay which are coin silver. All the nails for the silver inlays are hand wrought coin silver. Almost 2' of silver wire on the cheek side. The whole thing is John Sheetz. The star and wire on the cheek, the patchbox and it's engraving style, the comb inlay, the toe plate and the engraved "spiders", the lock panels and side plate are all J. Sheetz-isms. 13 1/4" pull and weighs right at 7 1/4 lbs.
 Had a great time building this gun. Any and all comments and/or questions are welcome.
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2080_zps8gposwio.jpg&hash=259136741f3b03f68febd0ea298d15340077e590)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2081_zpsdhrm9tod.jpg&hash=c4e793adbc37e0e953006fe73893e095d8177ec2)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2081%25202_zpsz5fnqszb.jpg&hash=05ec1796810bbd26c54f13f91f082269adc67274)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2082_zpsf6vsub2l.jpg&hash=5915086240cb212852527245c1881a7b85a3e947)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2083_zpskfuyqp08.jpg&hash=13d6b93e4136862752f4d09bfdc81d8197ee01e2)
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Mike Brooks on April 01, 2018, 12:41:57 AM
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2083%25203_zpsbumunrtj.jpg&hash=ce9ce001024ff2077570b3e3a2f0ff66a1cf983e)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2083%25204_zpspvkzxvhl.jpg&hash=ee8b01ac42a88e0cdd7f8fbd06fc0521b21fce2f)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2083%25202_zpsk03bub2r.jpg&hash=dbdf6f9e630f9b82417283e00252d7bfdf0235fe)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2084_zpsb2tph3ys.jpg&hash=d2ee260af851ff2a295c87a9c2bc4ed9ca795f44)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2085_zpsdgusgccu.jpg&hash=ae771984c5b753de0cdc6e30b1690776e358ba9f)
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Mike Brooks on April 01, 2018, 12:44:02 AM
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2086_zpsdqpcfo9m.jpg&hash=05c63c99f65c99ffa6620e2bd7b939d1f67c826e)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2087_zpsqv0r89tb.jpg&hash=0f09d7a41323b8ae6e4cd295cfed915b2042ee5e)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2088_zpsdqa7upio.jpg&hash=26de5a611ef39a510765de0f793ed3b41ef59c81)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2088%25202_zps5haupzym.jpg&hash=e1c0ff2d5e5e451983c7770118059c6fd71aaeb3)
(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2089_zpsavpng4fo.jpg&hash=ef3143801e031224d33f49ca969d2cf1a3aa4494)
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Joe S. on April 01, 2018, 12:45:35 AM
As always Mike,a nicely made rifle,your subtle aging looks great,a real nice touch
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Stoner creek on April 01, 2018, 12:51:14 AM
Does that one have a home yet?
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Hungry Horse on April 01, 2018, 01:02:50 AM
The triggerguard, and the layed  back rear trigger are very distinctive. This gun has a lot of very nice features.

  Hungry Horse
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Mike Brooks on April 01, 2018, 01:41:40 AM
Quote from: Stoner creek on April 01, 2018, 12:51:14 AM
Does that one have a home yet?
I'm not sure, I got  a guy that wants first chance at it but I haven't heard back from him since I sent him the pics, only been a couple hours though.... I'll keep you posted.
 I put a silver front sight on this one and the rear is 12" from the breech and I can SEE THE SIGHTS! If I didn't have bills to pay I'd keep  this myself. ;)
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Chowmi on April 01, 2018, 12:15:09 PM
Really nice, I love it! 
Wish I could buy it...

I always enjoy seeing your work, and to see a rifle is doubly nice.

Thanks for showing us, Mike.

Norm.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: oldtravler61 on April 01, 2018, 05:05:03 PM
  Mike very nice work ! Really like it. Have only one question. Why did you not engrave anything on the side plate? Is that something Sheets normally did? Just asking. Not an expert on his work just curious.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Tim Crosby on April 01, 2018, 05:05:50 PM
 Very good looking rifle, fit and finish really make it and that shaping at the comb. I got'a ask...the Walnut looks almost grainless, is that because it has a filler on it, as in Black spray paint?

  Thanks, Tim

 
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: n stephenson on April 01, 2018, 05:06:04 PM
Mike, Pack up your stuff, and load your truck. Move South Now!!! Between this one and that Carolina piece , I think you might be a displaced Southerner.  I think your mostly known for spot on early pieces , but man! , you ain`t no slouch , when it comes to these brass box , bells and whistle, pieces. Some one is going to be very happy with this one. Nice Job!!!  Nate
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Dennis Glazener on April 01, 2018, 05:16:33 PM
Mike,
You would make a great Virginian! Really great rifle, I am afraid to ask the price, the temptation is too great but after thinking about it maybe hearing the price might cool the temptation :)

Nice work.
Dennis
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Stoner creek on April 01, 2018, 05:33:14 PM
Quote from: n stephenson on April 01, 2018, 05:06:04 PM
Mike, Pack up your stuff, and load your truck. Move South Now!!! Between this one and that Carolina piece , I think you might be a displaced Southerner.  I think your mostly known for spot on early pieces , but man! , you ain`t no slouch , when it comes to these brass box , bells and whistle, pieces. Some one is going to be very happy with this one. Nice Job!!!  Nate
I’ll have that Carolina gun at the Knoxville show for everyone to play with.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Mike Brooks on April 01, 2018, 05:55:52 PM
Quote from: oldtravler61 on April 01, 2018, 05:05:03 PM
  Mike very nice work ! Really like it. Have only one question. Why did you not engrave anything on the side plate? Is that something Sheets normally did? Just asking. Not an expert on his work just curious.
"Generally" he didn't engrave the side plate on a gun of this level of decoration. I have seen one that was engraved though.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Mike Brooks on April 01, 2018, 05:59:02 PM
Quote from: Tim Crosby on April 01, 2018, 05:05:50 PM
Very good looking rifle, fit and finish really make it and that shaping at the comb. I got'a ask...the Walnut looks almost grainless, is that because it has a filler on it, as in Black spray paint?

  Thanks, Tim
Most all of the locally grown walnut is pretty tight grained, and yes any open grain it did have has been filled with finish and black spray paint followed by dark colored Bri Wax.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Mike Brooks on April 03, 2018, 06:13:45 PM
Quote from: n stephenson on April 01, 2018, 05:06:04 PM
Mike, Pack up your stuff, and load your truck. Move South Now!!! Between this one and that Carolina piece , I think you might be a displaced Southerner.  I think your mostly known for spot on early pieces , but man! , you ain`t no slouch , when it comes to these brass box , bells and whistle, pieces. Some one is going to be very happy with this one. Nice Job!!!  Nate
Working with these later southern rilfes has been good for me, pushes me past where I'm comfortable. These are far different than the early style guns I've built for so many years. Sharp learning curve!
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: wattlebuster on April 04, 2018, 02:28:24 AM
as always Mike. Excellent work
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Don Adams on April 04, 2018, 03:51:21 AM
Beautiful work!
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: johngross on April 04, 2018, 04:33:41 AM
Quote from: Mike Brooks on April 01, 2018, 12:39:38 AM
Finally finished up the Sheetz gun I've been working on.

(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2080_zps8gposwio.jpg&hash=259136741f3b03f68febd0ea298d15340077e590)


(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoax-slayer.com%2Fimages%2Flike-button.jpg&hash=977dd6e99d21032815a0baeb26b723be8bc51b0e)
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: BOB HILL on April 04, 2018, 04:55:20 AM
Beautiful work, Mike. Sometimes a trip out of our comfort zone is good for us. Thanks for sharing the trip with us.
Bob
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: B Shipman on April 04, 2018, 06:37:43 AM
He makes nice Golden Age rifles as well. Love the TG and never thought of using it on a Sheetz.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: James Rogers on April 04, 2018, 08:05:37 PM
Really nice work Mike!
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Marcruger on April 04, 2018, 08:07:50 PM
Somebody is going to be really happy with that one!  I like it all
Mike. Great job. God Bless, Marc
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Pukka Bundook on April 05, 2018, 04:44:24 PM
Very nice rifle Mike!

Nice work on the patch box and stuff. All very clean.  It should make someone a life long friend.
Two thumbs up!
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: k gahagan on April 05, 2018, 04:45:30 PM
really well done, I like it!
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Adrie luke on April 06, 2018, 03:21:32 AM
Mike
Are you lost?

Little bit Contemporary.

Good to see your rifle
Great work.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Mike Brooks on April 06, 2018, 04:17:02 AM
Quote from: Adrie luke on April 06, 2018, 03:21:32 AM
Mike
Are you lost?

Little bit Contemporary.

Good to see your rifle
Great work.
Actually it's about as traditional as you can get. Pretty near a direct copy of a post 1810 John Sheetz.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: flinchrocket on April 06, 2018, 05:31:07 AM
Very nice, I can never get those sideplates on the patchbox to stay down using two screws like that!
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Mike Brooks on April 06, 2018, 12:17:30 PM
Quote from: flinchrocket on April 06, 2018, 05:31:07 AM
Very nice, I can never get those sideplates on the patchbox to stay down using two screws like that!
You better get you a woo-woo stick......
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Darrin McDonal on April 18, 2018, 04:38:58 AM
VERY nice gun Mike!! Good job man! I think this is an absolute bargain.
Darrin
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Mike Brooks on April 18, 2018, 12:47:57 PM
Quote from: Darrin McDonal on April 18, 2018, 04:38:58 AM
VERY nice gun Mike!! Good job man! I think this is an absolute bargain.
Darrin
Yep, a lot of hours in that gun! All those little details took more time than I figured.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Bob Roller on April 19, 2018, 04:27:42 PM
About 60 years ago in E.M.Farris's gun shop I saw a very primitive flintlock rifle
that was marked on the top flat "M SHEETZ".Walnut full stock,strap iron guard.
bent and forged nail for a trigger pinned thru the stock,lock marked Maslin Warranted
and not one of the new ones from Hamm or Mitton.No butt plate and thimbles soldered
to the barrel and passing thru the ram rod groove so the rod tied the gun together along
with a tang screw.Has anyone seen anything similar?

Bob Roller
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Mike Brooks on April 19, 2018, 05:16:21 PM
Sounds like a restocked Michael or Martin Sheetz.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on April 19, 2018, 08:13:40 PM
I really like the rifle Mike.  That walnut colour is fabulous...so warm and comphy!  I have a walnut stock with a .25 cal barrel from Chris Laubach - future project.  This kicks it closer to the front burner.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Mike Brooks on April 19, 2018, 08:24:07 PM
Quote from: D. Taylor Sapergia on April 19, 2018, 08:13:40 PM
I really like the rifle Mike.  That walnut colour is fabulous...so warm and comphy!  I have a walnut stock with a .25 cal barrel from Chris Laubach - future project.  This kicks it closer to the front burner.
Thanks Taylor, I have a few more interesting spec guns in the works as  well. BTW,  I thought you just finished your last gun. ;)
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Stoner creek on May 02, 2018, 08:50:54 PM
The whole thing is much prettier in person.  Mike really got that distinctive Sheetz wrist to comb transition just like the old ones that I have had the pleasure of inspecting. She’s going to get to belch fire on Sunday afternoon.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Martin S. on May 02, 2018, 09:03:26 PM
So did you buy it?
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Stoner creek on May 02, 2018, 09:19:00 PM
Yes. I’m the happy owner.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Martin S. on May 03, 2018, 12:41:20 AM
Congrats.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: D. Taylor Sapergia on May 05, 2018, 06:56:46 PM
Mike:  I've finished building on consignment.  Now I can build for ME.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Big Wolf on July 16, 2018, 04:29:38 AM
Nicely done Mike!
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: B.Barker on July 25, 2018, 12:28:11 AM
Mike, nice looking Sheetz rifle. How well does the Davis late Ketland lock work? Are they finicky or pretty reliable?
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Mike Brooks on July 25, 2018, 01:23:41 AM
Quote from: B.Barker on July 25, 2018, 12:28:11 AM
Mike, nice looking Sheetz rifle. How well does the Davis late Ketland lock work? Are they finicky or pretty reliable?
They work very well. I have used a couple on guns I have built for myself. That being said, the Chambers late Ketland is probably the best lock of this time period you can get.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Stoner creek on July 25, 2018, 02:39:28 AM
I’ll echo Mike’s words. This particular lock is fast enough, no issues with quick ignition but it’s not quite as good as the Chambers. Flints tend to live longer with the Chambers lock. I’m shooting this gun and Baer Killr with the flint bevel up.
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: realtorone on July 25, 2018, 03:30:05 AM
Very very nice Mike. Anyone would be proud to own it.
George
Title: Re: John Sheetz FINITO!
Post by: Willbarq on August 23, 2018, 03:13:14 AM
Quote from: johngross on April 04, 2018, 04:33:41 AM
Quote from: Mike Brooks on April 01, 2018, 12:39:38 AM
Finally finished up the Sheetz gun I've been working on.

(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2F0703%2FGunmaker%2F359%2520J%2520Sheetz%2520rifle%2FDSCF2080_zps8gposwio.jpg&hash=259136741f3b03f68febd0ea298d15340077e590)


(https://americanlongrifles.org/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoax-slayer.com%2Fimages%2Flike-button.jpg&hash=977dd6e99d21032815a0baeb26b723be8bc51b0e)
second that