Three for one !,... still scratching my head on this one.....

[Harms Way]

Thanks,.... Very first thing I always do,is check to make sure there is no charge in them,... I Checked them before I left his house,... Years ago I was the guy telling people if there old smoke poles were safe to shoot...... ( I use to do the firearms conservation and preservation at the Henry Ford Museum- Edison institute in the 80's) But thanks for your response and concern.

 

[cynthialee]

My jaw is sitting on the floor!

That is a hell of a deal. And with him certain he might be screwing you in the deal makes it even sweeter!

 

[Many Klatch]

The best deals are the ones where both sides figure that they screwed the other. Everyone goes home happy.

Many Klatch

 

[morehops]

Well the Detroit gun is obviously a fake! Everyone knows Detroit only makes things with wheels on 'em :rotf:

 

[Harms Way]

And I am into everything with wheels built here from 1911 - 1972 ,.... (I've been building Hot Rods ever sense 1967,... interrupted for a few years to visit S.E. Asia with my Uncle :wink: )

 

[Bob J]

THAT was a really good find....you scored BIG TIME!! Love both of 'em :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[Pete44ru]

FWIW:

The "W. H. Stephens" that signed & presumeably made the barrel on that rifle, might be the same person from Dallas, LA, who applied for a patent, with "B.B.Stephens", for a corn and cotton stalk cutter and puller on Nov. 27, 1861.


.

 

[Harms Way]

I did find a vague record of a "W. H. Stephens" Gunsmith from Central Ohio from the mid 1840's to the mid 1880's... But only just the name, dates, and occupation. No other information as of yet.

"W.H. Stephens 1845; Gunsmith; lives in Sidney, Ohio"

But considering the G.Goulcher lock, Seems Mr Stephens used good quality parts.. Assuming "W. H. Stephens" actually built the rifle.