This took place in front of me, Saturday, 19 Jan, 2002 at the Indy 1500 Gun show.
Right in front of my table, a friend of mine confronted a guy who was selling an old musket.
He claimed his grandfather had been a smith and had cobbled this together from parts. Wanted $75.
Henry, being a lawyer, haggled him down to $65.
We took a look, and figured the barrel was rather old. VERY thick walls at the muzzle and an inset brass bead.
Went to two antique arms dealers for opinions.
1803 Harper's Ferry. Original except for hammer replaced about 1840. Complete to original metal ramrod.
About $3000.
Just be glad the idiot didn't take it to a gun "buyback."
Wish I'd seen it 5 seconds earlier. I have medical bills to pay.
Right in front of my table, a friend of mine confronted a guy who was selling an old musket.
He claimed his grandfather had been a smith and had cobbled this together from parts. Wanted $75.
Henry, being a lawyer, haggled him down to $65.
We took a look, and figured the barrel was rather old. VERY thick walls at the muzzle and an inset brass bead.
Went to two antique arms dealers for opinions.
1803 Harper's Ferry. Original except for hammer replaced about 1840. Complete to original metal ramrod.
About $3000.
Just be glad the idiot didn't take it to a gun "buyback."
Wish I'd seen it 5 seconds earlier. I have medical bills to pay.