SOLD SOLD Signed "J S" John Shuler, Liverpool, PA ca 1820





John Shuler is one of the most sought after gunsmiiths in the collecting fraternity. He first worked in Bucks County making rifles of beautiful architecture and appeal. He moved to Liverpool in Perry County and began making rifle in the local style. However, he still used some details of his earlier Bucks County style. This example has been converted to percussion using the original lock. The large bore barrel is 40.5" and has not been shortened and is signed "J S" in script.
The rifle is somewwhat plain and needs alot of work as the photos show. After successful restoration the piece will be more pleasing and valuable.
SOLD 6/2025
SOLD SOLD Unsigned Gideon Angstat, Berks County, Pennsylvania ca 1825



Gideon was one of the Angstat family of gunsmiths in Berks County. This is a rather plain example in pretty good condition in that there is no wood loss or replacements, the converted lock fits well and could be reconverted, and it has a 45" octagon to round barrel with no wedding band.
The rifle has an in period brass repair opposite the lock which holds a crack in the stock. The patchbox lid needs to be reattached to the finial (it falls off when you open the lid) and the tip of the finial needs to be replaced. Except for a reconversion this would be and easy fix for a beginner. the wood is plain but the surface is original. After successful restoration the piece will be more pleasing. Priced for a quick sale.
SOLD 6/2025
Signed B Coles 1847, Benjamin Coles, Guernsey County, OH ca 1847







Benjamin Coles was born Ohio in 1815 and probably began working as a gunsmith about 1835. He moved to Warren County, Iowa in 1855 2 years after his 7th son, Lewis, was born. He then moved to Nora, Nebraska in 1880 and died there in 1890.
The rifle is quite decorative for the period and has an unusual capbox situated on the cheek piece. Notice the acorn finials at either end of the capbox. The rifled barrel is 37 inches and about .38 cal. The quality of curly maple is good and the surface is original and quite pleasing. Cracked through the wrist and repaired in period, the repair could be redone with better results. A 4 inch strip of wood is missing along the forestock and the trigger guard is missing. Pictured is a new guard which fits well. Ramrod is missing.
After successful restoration the piece will be more pleasing and valuable. This is the only rifle by Coles I've seen and is very good quality.
Thanks to Mark Smith, Springfield, WV for research on Coles.
Available at $1,350.00

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