Interesting gun for sale on Gunbroker

[Dennis Glazener]

First understand that I have nothing to do with the sale of this, I don't even know who is selling it. Just noticed the receipt for the W. Gusler restoration done at the Colonial Williamsburg Gun Shop for the outrageous  sum of $150.

Guess there is no question on whether this gun is all original or not.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=361846840

Dennis

[mr. no gold]

Nice rifle, and it is a very interesting one. My, my! Restoration was certainly pricey in those days wasn't it? Would those prices yet prevailed and at CWB at that. Not sure that they even do restoration any more.
My first impression is that this gun is a derivative of the Allemangel School up in Lehigh country. No specific details prompt this, but it does have the curved profile butt stock,and  the side plate has a modified arrowhead at the rear. The patchbox is unusual to say the least and boxes like that have been observed on pieces from that region.
Thank you Dennis for bringing it to our attention. Hope that one of our members finds it attractive enough to buy and brings it into the library.
Dick

[debnal]

That seems like a lot of money for basically a butt stock. I read the receipt to say, replaced barrel, replaced forestock, replaced flintlock but other than that it's all original
Al

[Bill Paton]

Granted that the stock replacement seems to start 1 1//2" behind the breech, virtually the entire lock mortise must have been replaced along with the fore stock, understanding the barrel to be 38 1/2" long and the "fore stock" replacement to be 40". However, if "barrel restored" means "repaired" and not "replaced", then the very nice and most important part of the stock, plus the barrel, are probably original. That is almost 2/3 of the  "whole lock, stock, and barrel". I would not be critical of such a well documented "resurrection", especially by such a competent hand as Wallace Gusler. I applaud the salvation of this fine rifle from the junk pile. Think how many beautiful ones have been irrevocably scrapped in the past when they were considered  obsolete and worthless beyond redemption. Whoever is serious about this rifle might contact Wallace to see what he remembers about it, and then proudly acquire a fine piece of history.

[Majorjoel]

This rifle has been up for sale on Gunbroker for well over a year and has been discussed here in the antique gun collecting forum already as well. I cannot remember the subject heading to find the previous discussion but it is around here somewhere.

[JDK]

Here you go:  http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=24577.0  Enjoy, J.D.

[stuart cee dub]

As noted on the repair bill shown on the GB ad there is the word ''Paris''
Likely Paris the old barrel guy before Mr Getz.
So the barrel  was replaced (or repaired? )which the description on gunbroker doesn't really get into much .None of this would be obvious to a normal buyer who might not know Paris from Dubai .There has always been a steep learning curve for buyers of old guns .Sure there are a few clues

While I do appriciate the work and especially enjoy the pierced work on the patch box,
I have to agree with Al.
Lot of money for a buttstock..... and a no name one at that .

[okawbow]

I read that the barrel was "restored", new lock, new wood around the lock, new forearm wood.  Also all new "parts" aged to match original. Looks like a smoothbore to me.

[stuart cee dub]

Says ''all new Paris'' on the invoice Okabow .
The breech end looks dinged up on the visible flat and the breech plug but the muzzle looks very clean and a smoothbore as you say .

If I were spending my money I'd just be cautious .
Restoration? ...restoring the barrel or restoring the old gun with a Paris barrel .Just not specific enough.It's vague like lots of gunbroker ads.

The buttstock is real enough .
 

[JTR]

Stuart,
I think it says  'all new parts', not paris.
Look at the t in the words restored, flintlock and forestock. All the letters are Caps except for the t. The same with the word parts,,, al caps except for the t.

Just my opinion,
John

[stuart cee dub]

Ok, I can see where it might be a''T'' .It's right on the crease.Dang so much for that theory.

[Hurricane ( of Virginia)]

Why don't you guys just ask Wallace. Last I heard he had a new computer and was using email. Infact, I think he put something on the LAR some months ago. Infact, I emailed him and asked him to comment.
Hurricane