Percussion Long Rifle
Marked on barrel “H. Sheets” for Henry Sheets
Staunton, Augusta County, Virginia
Circa 1840
52″ Long
SOLD
Henry is thought to be the son of John Sheets who was a master gunsmith in Staunton. While there is some conflicting genealogical info on the multiple branches of the Sheets/Sheetz family and the many gunsmiths in the family working in Virginia and West Virginia. This rifle can be tied to the Augusta County branch by the patch box pattern and stock profile which are made on the same design as his father’s documented rifles. It dates to about 1840 and is percussion. Overall length, 52″.