Rifle by Robert Reeves

[jim meili]

I was just contacted by a lady who wants to sell one of her late father's muzzleloaders. I have not viewed it yet so don't have any photos.
It is marked Robert W. Reeves, #41, 1971    The barrel is a G.R. Douglas

Know nothing else about it at this time. Does anyone recognize this builders name? He must have a few guns out there with this one marked #41.

Thanks for any help, I will post some photos down the road.
Jim

[Ray Nelson]

Robert Reeves was a very respected buider of custom guns. He especially liked Hawken Rifles at one time I know but built others as well.

If you can acquire one of his rifles, you are a lucky person. His guns are very nice!

You can see his guns in John D. Bairds book on Hawken rifles and Muzzle Blasts article dated August 1971. Perhaps also in other magazine issues as well.

Best Regards.

Ray

[jim meili]

Ray, thanks for the information on Robert. I think I will try to work out a fair price with the lady sometime this weekend.
Best,
Jim

[Ray Nelson]

Jim,

How did you fare in the Robert Reeves gun negotiation this weekend?

Ray

[jim meili]

Ray, that's still up in the air. The rifle is a halfstock with absolutely beautiful wood. Built with Hawken in mind, with Hawken furniture but in brass. Poured pewter nosecap. Instead of the normal patent breech setup it had a drum and nipple with a short straight tang. Some checking in the wood near the toe. Didn't get a look under the lock to find out the maker, but fitted with a very nice flat round face percussion lock. 45 caliber Douglas barrel. Very nice lines, Reeves new how to style the wood.

The rifle overall is very nice. I guess I would say it was more in the style of a plains rifle. Missouri. Illinois or whatever. I made her an offer but she seemed to think she could get more for it. I gave her a few ideas and that was that.

Thanks for asking Ray.
Jim

[Hiwall55]

I have #51. Nice gun

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Can (will) you post some pictures of it?