RARE GEORGE WHEELER MODEL 1798 CONTRACT MUSKET.

RARE GEORGE WHEELER MODEL 1798 CONTRACT MUSKET. Cal. .69. 43-7/8″ rnd bbl. Marked “WHEELER’S MANUFACTORY. 12. VA. RECT. CLCUCESTER.” on top of the bbl, and “VIRGINIA” on the lockplate. The use of a “C” for a “G” and “O” on the hand-stamped bbl marking is likely due to lost or broken dies, as the barrel markings of a Robinson-altered Wheeler pictured on pages 174 and 175 of “Confederate Carbines and Musketoons” are made with the very same substitutions. Please note that the “12” is likely an error by the person doing the stamping, as “21” was the correct regiment number. Wheeler was in Stevensburg, Virginia, and delivered 1,000 muskets of this style in 1803. They are considered to be very rare today and it is difficult to find one in any condition. Only a handful are known to exist and this is one of the most complete specimens known. This musket is well worth restoring. The sideplate has two S’s stamped inside with a filed VIIII. This is also stamped on the wood under the sideplate. A similar marking IIIV is filed across the top of the lockplate and adjoining pan. “N C” is carved into the right side of the buttstock and “11 / E / W, JLC” on the left. The forearm has been cut off at the rear band and all parts forward of that are missing – likely a Confederate alteration to reduce weight, as the musket is still muzzle-heavy. Wheeler Manufactory muskets are very rare, and most known specimens are Confederate alterations and conversions. This very possibly was Confederate used during the Civil War. 1861 documents record the issue of flints to VA troops who carried flintlock muskets. This example is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Giles Cromwell, author of “The Virginia Manufactory of Arms”. Mr. Cromwell states that in about 35 years of examining Southern made firearms, he has only ever encountered about 4 other Wheeler firearms. CONDITION: Top jaw and screw, tang screw and triggerguard screws are replacements. Lower buttplate screw is missing. Gray patina with moderate to heavy pitting. Stock has been broken behind the lockplate and forward of rear lockplate screw, both with period repairs. Sling swivel at the triggerguard is missing. Mechanically good. 4-53560 (20,000-35,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2004

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1119	$0.00	RARE GEORGE WHEELER MODEL 1798 CONTRACT MUSKET. Cal. .69. 43-7/8″ rnd bbl. Marked “WHEELER’S MANUFACTORY. 12. VA. RECT. CLCUCESTER.” on top of the bbl, and “VIRGINIA” on the lockplate. The use of a “C” for a “G” and “O” on the hand-stamped bbl marking is likely due to lost or broken dies, as the barrel markings of a Robinson-altered Wheeler pictured on pages 174 and 175 of “Confederate Carbines and Musketoons” are made with the very same substitutions. Please note that the “12” is likely an error by the person doing the stamping, as “21” was the correct regiment number. Wheeler was in Stevensburg, Virginia, and delivered 1,000 muskets of this style in 1803. They are considered to be very rare today and it is difficult to find one in any condition. Only a handful are known to exist and this is one of the most complete specimens known. This musket is well worth restoring. The sideplate has two S’s stamped inside with a filed VIIII. This is also stamped on the wood under the sideplate. A similar marking IIIV is filed across the top of the lockplate and adjoining pan. “N C” is carved into the right side of the buttstock and “11 / E / W, JLC” on the left. The forearm has been cut off at the rear band and all parts forward of that are missing – likely a Confederate alteration to reduce weight, as the musket is still muzzle-heavy. Wheeler Manufactory muskets are very rare, and most known specimens are Confederate alterations and conversions. This very possibly was Confederate used during the Civil War. 1861 documents record the issue of flints to VA troops who carried flintlock muskets. This example is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Giles Cromwell, author of “The Virginia Manufactory of Arms”. Mr. Cromwell states that in about 35 years of examining Southern made firearms, he has only ever encountered about 4 other Wheeler firearms. CONDITION: Top jaw and screw, tang screw and triggerguard screws are replacements. Lower buttplate screw is missing. Gray patina with moderate to heavy pitting. Stock has been broken behind the lockplate and forward of rear lockplate screw, both with period repairs. Sling swivel at the triggerguard is missing. Mechanically good. 4-53560 (20,000-35,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2004 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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