I was glad to see the comment on the Aspen Shade rifle not being a Shaffer rifle. When I looked at it, several significant differences were apparent, including the number of pipes, shape of single initial, side facings, guard, etc. We all love to attach a name to a rifle to give it "roots" or historical perspective, but at times owners jump too quickly to establish a rifle's identify and perhaps push its value. The posted rifle, despite its damage, has a great signature and shows multiple artistic details of Shaffer's hand. And I really like the patchbox on this gun, a little quirky but distinctive and interesting. It is a significant rifle and deserves a quality restoration.
Shelby Gallien
