Kentucky half stock percussion muzzle loader

[kmj]

My dad was interested in finding out the value of this Kentucky half stock percussion muzzle loader. He believes it was built by someone named D. Weeks in Clearfield, PA. It has a brass patch box, and a brass patch on the stock, where it was repaired. If anyone can give me an approximate value for this gun, I would really appreciate it. Im not really sure of the best way to sell a gun like this, but any suggestions would be welcome. If you have any more questions about the gun, let me know and I will try to get the answers.

thanks!
Karl

 

[Jim K]

I am stumped. The back action lock seems to me to just about rule out any PA maker. The name Sharpe (presumably the lock maker) is not in any of my reference books as a lock maker (although the name appears as an Ohio gun maker). Nor can I find a Weeks in Clearfield, though my books don't cover that area very well.

How much does your father know about the gun? The lock appears old but also does not appear to fit the stock (looks like wood filler around it). The patch box inletting is poor, and the triggers look like modern repros.

My first thoughts are that it is a "frankengun", put together from pieces, or a kit gun made with some old parts. If a purchase is being considered, I would be very careful. If the gun is to be sold, I suggest it be done "as is" with no claims of age or provence that cannot be documented.

Value? I can't even offer a guess. How to sell? Gun show, ad in the paper, gun shop. In any case, and in spite of actual age, the gun is legally an antique and can be bought or sold with no legal restrictions.

Jim