Though unsigned this rifle has much in common with the signed rifles of Charles Spitzer. It also could be by his brother Willaim Spitzer or another brother the infamous Moses Augustus “Gus” Spitzer of the Donner party. Whoever made the rfile was in the Lower Shenandoah Valley and was well acquainted with the Spitzer and Grandstaff style. The rifled barrel is 39″ and about .38 cal. It has never been rebreeched.
The patchbox is the Spitzer style but the finial is unusual for them as is the lock bolt plate. The butt stock architecture, forestock inlays, pointing hand, wide rear sight and lid release are all characteristics that point to the Spitzer family of gunsmiths. There is no restoration on the rifle. There is a sliver of wood missing along the forestock. The surface is all original with a pleasing dark patina. This is a nice rifle from an important Shenadoah Valley gunsmithing family with no apologies.
Please Contact Artisan Directly for Purchasing Information:
Timothy Hodges
AspenShadeLTD.com
844 Round Hill Road
Winchester, VA
22602
US
Phone: (540) 662-5438
Email: thhodges@comcast.net
