Unsigned Nathaniel Offutt, Capon Bridge, Hampshire County, WV ca 1840

Product Description

Nathniel Offutt was born in Charles Town. There is a strong relationship between the Rinehart’s, Nathaniel Offutt and Benjamin F Shane in Hampshire County. The Rineghart’s left Hampshire County having both previously indebted to gunsmith Nathaniel Offutt. Offutt bought the land and shop of J W Rinehart. Benjamin Shane upon Offutt’s death bought his land and shop. Another example of Offutt’s work is pictured in “Longrifles of Virginia” by Butler & Whisker on pg 59 showing similarity in architecture. A Benjamin Shane rifle pictured in Whisker “Gunsmith’s of West Virginia” page 154 shows a example with the unusual simple curved lock bolt plate like the Offutt example. 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
The rifle is in excellent condition with no losses or restoration. The rifled barrel is 38″ and about .36 cal.