In the style of John Jacob Sheetz

[oldtravler61]

  Jim impressive to put it mildly. Built one gun with spalted maple. That was enough for me. But then I don't build like you ! I call mine the gun from $#*!..
Can't wait to see this one finished...!   Oldtravler

[Marcruger]

Any new photos Jim?   God Bless,   Marc

[bama]

Guys I am posting a few update photo's of this project. While I am not totally satisfied with my attempt at duplicating the look of the carving on the original rifle I feel that I have learned a lot about this style of carving. I appreciate all of the comments and suggestions. The rifle is not totally finished here in these photo's but it will give you an idea of what the spalting looks like with stain on it. The staining process came out a little darker than I wanted but it is not as dark as I normally go with the stain. I did manage to get some filling of the incised cuts which did turn out black but my incise carving still needs some work and refinement. Looking at these pictures I can see areas that could be done better and on the next rifle I will make some adjustments. Anyway I hope that you enjoy the photo's.

[Mike Brooks]

Looks very 'Sheets-esque Jim. I like the fact that the mineral streaks are a lot less visible, it was almost too busy in the white with the streaks it was hard to see the carving, now with the stain it's just about how I would like it. Which buttplate and trigger guard did you use if you don't mind my asking. I can never make up my mind what to use when I make a Sheets or a Lauck  rifle.

[bama]

Mike the butt plate was a Reeve's No. 7, the guard came from Muzzle Loader Builders Supply and it is listed as their John Jacob Sheetz guard. I was shocked that they had this guard, did not ask if they had the matching but plate to go with the guard as I already had the No. 7 which matches pretty close to the original butt plate.

I thought that the spalting would pretty much blend in when stained and I was right about that.

[sqrldog]

I had the opportunity to hold this rifle, when Jim was here for a visit, pictures don't do it justice.  A really  really great rifle from one end to the other. Fine job on this one Jim.

[Mike Brooks]

Mike the butt plate was a Reeve's No. 7, the guard came from Muzzle Loader Builders Supply and it is listed as their John Jacob Sheetz guard. I was shocked that they had this guard, did not ask if they had the matching but plate to go with the guard as I already had the No. 7 which matches pretty close to the original butt plate.

I thought that the spalting would pretty much blend in when stained and I was right about that.

Thanks. Forgot that MBS had that guard, I'll have to go over there and have a look.