Original gun sights

I have noticed that many of the original long rifles seem to have sights very low on the barrel. I have two heirloom rifles made in the 1840's and the front and rear sights are barely above the top flat of the barrel. On one rifle, the front sight is barely 1/32" above the barrel flat. Does anyone know why this is? I have tried shooting both heirloom guns, but I just can't get my head low enough to line up the sights properly. Can't figure out how these guns were shot with sights like that.

The Leman Buck sent me has such sights! The front sights ( if you can call it that! ) is so tiny and low to the barrel.

It's not very often you'll see the sights of the modern muzzleloader even close to those of old in height or width.

We always think our eye sight is better than those of the past .....

I have been told, that my GGG Grandfather was a very good shot with the .32 rifle I inherited, but with those really low sights I have no idea how he was able to shoot accurately. I had to change the sights on the gun so I could shoot it, but I kept the originals just in case and if I am able to pass the rifle down to the next generation. So far my nephew (the only one I have and no kids of my own) has no interest in "old" guns. He only likes semi-auto's. The spray and pray type. I have tried to get him interested in BP guns, but he doesn't want to put up the the smell and clean-up required.

Look at the sights on the The Afghan Jezail Rifle, I think they provide an interesting sight picture, see sketch.