Half stock rifle attributed to Levi Shreckengost in "Gunsmiths of
Western Pennsylvania Volume 1" by James Whisker and the 1972 Patchbox book by
Chandler. The gun was once in the personal collection of Vaughn Whisker and its attribution was made by him, but unknown whether due to the style or a personal history. The birdseye maple stock is inlaid with Ivory. All the inlays including the patchbox are german silver.
The barrel is approx 37" and tapers from 1 1/4 inch down to 7/8ths at the muzzle. Caliber is approx 32.
Levi Shreckengost, son of Wm Shreckengost mustered in to Co D, 103rd PA on Sept 25, 1861. Prior to that he apprenticed gunsmithing to his father and after return from the war in 1865 he never built another rifle. He was born in 1840, so this gun was made sometime prior to age 21.
Addendum 121230
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In his garden with cabbage and bee hives. Still suffering from wounds inflicted in the Civil War.
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Comments:
We, unquestionably, have the finest collection of guns ( signed and attributed) to any gunsmith family ever assembled, thanks to many, in particular Rob Watt, a decedent). Still a few more to come.
