That is probably the finest Jno Wilson rifle around. As best I recall that was a rifle priced in the $30,000 range and sold for around $27,000. Odd sequence of events. It was offered and then sold and then shortly thereafter it came back and reoffered as a consignment piece. Never could figure that one out. Nice rifle but ....
I think that buyer subsequently purchased another nice one for substantially less. Cannot recall seeing pics of it however. I got one some time back for a LOT LESS but it has a broken wrist, maybe a replacement lock and who knows about the stock....but still the Jno Wilson signature on the barrel is clear and bold. I know of another down south (Florida) and it is probably all original but the owner feels it is a museum worthy rifle (but it's just a plain as mine). Jno Wilson has been somewhat controversial over the years as to exactly where he worked. This barrel firmly established his presence in Botetourt County but he is also supposed to be an the 1850 TN census living in TN and recorded as a gunmaker. That census shows 3 children as I recall and the youngest was reported to be 2 years old and born in VA so the conclusion is he left VA around 1848.
So with all that, I know of only 4 signed Jno Wilson rifles. Any others out there???
