Possibly John Grandstaff, Shenandoah County, Virginia ca 1840

Product Description

Many details on this rifle point to a couple makers in the Shendoah Valley. The gilloche upper and lower plates of the patchbox, the wide rear sight, the high combed architecture, and the pointing hand are all indicative of the earlier Grandstaff and Spitzer rifles. The scrolled silver escutcheons are not uncommon is the area as well. John Grandstaff, Charles Spitzer, and William Spitzer are likely candidates as they were working in this later period.
This example has a wonderful old surface and in untouched condition. The patchbox finial is unusual but is similar to the sideplate. The scrolled silver inlays on the forestock are decorative only; they do not act as escutcheons. The lock is original to the rifle. The rifled barrel is 39″ and about .40 cal. The forestock has a minor loss which is the only apology on the rifle. This is a neat little rifle in wonderful old condition and is most likely from the Valley of Virginia. Please visit my site @ www.AspenShadeLTD.com for more antique Kentucky rifles. Don’t forget the 41st annual Virginia-Kentucky rifle show in Waynesboro, VA on Oct 30,31, & Nov 1. see events page for details