Antique trade guns occupy a unique niche between living history, collectible arms, and functional firearms. Enthusiasts and serious collectors look for provenance, condition notes, and distinctive markings that tell a story about origin and use. A clear-eyed technical assessment helps determine whether a piece is best suited for display, restoration, or careful occasional firing by a qualified gunsmith.

MUSKETEER RIFLES ALTERED TRADE GUN BY WHEELER

This Single Shot trade gun is a .65 caliber, 37″ round barrel firearm altered to percussion from its original flintlock configuration. The metal presents a dark brown patina with pitting at the drum bolster, and the lock plate is marked Wheeler & Son with a circle fox forward of the hammer—details that are important to historians and condition-minded buyers. The stock shows moderate wear and localized wood loss at the rear of the lock plate; the trigger guard is oversized and attached with an old staple. Action functions but will not hold at full cock, and the forward barrel pin is missing. Reference code AL7483 and current price are listed at $2,850.99.

Collectors should note the practical implications of those condition points. The .65 caliber round barrel reflects trade-gun ballistics of the early 1800s—adequate for historic hunting loads and reenactment demonstrations when rendered safe by a professional. The percussion conversion increases ignition reliability compared with original flintlocks but any non-fully-secure action (will not hold at full cock) and a missing forward barrel pin indicate a gunsmith inspection is required before contemplating any firing.

The Wheeler & Son marking and the circle fox motif add provenance value; for buyers prioritizing authenticity, these stamps are meaningful. Cosmetic factors—the dark patina, pitting at the drum bolster, and stock wear—affect both display appeal and restoration scope. As a Single Shot collectible, this piece fits well into museum-style collections, lineage displays, or as a candidate for careful conservation work.

View product details and pricing to review photos and the full condition report, or to confirm the SKU AL7483 and availability for purchase from the retailer.

For prospective owners: budget for inspection and any necessary stabilization or replacement of the forward barrel pin, and plan restoration work that preserves period markings. If you’re ready to move forward, Check current availability — clicking will take you to the shop page where purchase is handled by the retailer. This Musketeer Rifles piece represents a tangible connection to early American trade arms and merits careful, informed ownership.

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