This is a percussion-converted trade gun from the Wheeler shop, dating to the 1800s, in .65 caliber with a 37-inch round barrel. It began life as a flintlock and was later altered to percussion. The lock plate carries the Wheeler & Son name with a fox-in-circle mark ahead of the hammer. Metal surfaces have gone to a dark brown patina, with pitting around the drum bolster.

Condition should be read carefully before buying. The stock shows moderate wear and has lost some wood behind the lock plate. The trigger guard is oversized and is held on by an old staple. The action moves but will not stay at full cock, and the forward barrel pin is gone. It belongs on a collector's wall or a restoration bench rather than in a North Carolina deer blind, and it is offered as an antique long gun.

Key features

• .65 caliber, 37-inch round barrel
• Flintlock altered to percussion
• Lock plate marked Wheeler & Son
• Action does not hold at full cock
• Forward barrel pin missing

Antique long guns like this one are sent to a licensed North Carolina dealer for pickup.