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RARE JONATHAN WETZEL SNYDER COUNTY KENTUCKY RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
RARE JONATHAN WETZEL SNYDER COUNTY KENTUCKY RIFLE.

Cal. 52 rifled bore. NSN. Bbl. 37 1/4" full oct. Overall length 51". This curly maple stocked rifle has a 4 piece brass patchbox w/ 5 piercings. Engraved English original flintlock. “J WETZEL” in script on top bbl. flat. Bbl. is fastened to stock w/ wedges, as opposed to pins. Set triggers, 5" brass comb inlay & a brass saddle plate. Profusely incised carved to the rear of the cheekpiece. Jonathan Wetzel (1826-1845) Center/Jackson Township. Wetzel lived close to New Berlin on the Snyder County side of Penns Creek. The road where he lived is today Broadway Road. He was assessed in the 1829, 1833 & 1835 assessments as living in Center Township along the “Middlecreek”. He was the brother of Henry Wetzel & made his rifles from bbls. produced by his brother. His guns are extremely hard to locate. Other guns by him are sometimes signed “JW”. CONDITION: very good overall as reconverted, good smooth iron patina, there are several well blended sm. cracks & inset repairs at lock in forestock. Mechanics need attention, triggers are out of sync, pitted rifled bore. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. John Persing. (01-19560/RG). ANTIQUE. $4,000-6,000.