Who was Wentz Parker?
 

I picked up an old musket that looks like it could have been owned by Daniel Boone. It has a beautiful full length Tiger stripe stock. It is very early percussion. It has US stamped on it and several other proof marks that I don't know what they mean. It has rifle sights but what looks like a shotgun barrel? It has beautiful polished brass crutiments. The locks say Wentz Parker warranted. The story that I got with this weapon was that it was a proto type made for the military. It converted it to percussion . One of the first percussion weapons? Who knows. It certainly is a beautiful classical piece. The story also goes that Went Parker was one of the early "Parker Bros" Who knows. Any help appreciated.

Can you post some pictures so we can all enjoy it and possibly offer some information?

Sure: I just took some. The weapon stands 57 inches tall. It has rifle sights. The bore measures just about 3/4" inside diameter. I got to figure how to post them? Cheers!

We have a picture posting tutorial link on our home page.

Go to my albums and see it!

It looks to me like it says "Henry Parker" on the side plate.

You are absolutely right! It goes better with the srory That I was told about how this weapon was one of the first conversions for the government from open ignition to percussion. Who was Henry Parker? Thanks, Bill

Henry Parker was not a gun maker but was a lock maker in Trenton NJ and died in 1860.
I just learned this by going to GOOGLE and typing in "henry parker gun maker".

Well I wonder if it was a conversion when did cap lock get common. neet gun! can you see a name on barrel

I don't see a name. I see US and other proof marks. They used Flint locks until the 1830's
Then they converted many of them to percussion. I am told by the former owner that this was one of the first government conversions? Anyway it is a beautiful work of art. It belongs in a museum. IT has been in a glass case hanging on a wall for the last twenty five years. the condition is remarkable. Lockmakers made sidelocks for weapons Thanks for all your help!