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/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #83

Premier Firearms Auction #83

September 10, 2021 to September 12, 2021

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/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #83

Premier Firearms Auction #83

September 10, 2021 to September 12, 2021

This auction has ended.

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Auction Time Summary

Preview DayThursday, Sep 9th10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SESSION IFriday, Sep 10th9 AMLots 1 through 688

SESSION IISaturday, Sep 11th9 AMLots 1000 through 1706

SESSION IIISunday, Sep 12th9 AMLots 3000 through 3670

To Be Sold At Auction

Preview Day Thursday Sept 9th
Open at 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SESSION I - Friday, Sept 10th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 1 and 688
SESSION II - Saturday, Sept 11th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 1000 and 1706
SESSION III - Sunday, Sept 12th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 3000 and 3670

Phone: 1-309-797-1500

Email: [email protected]

Rock Island Auction Company
7819 42 Street West
Rock Island, Illinois, 61201, USA

Phone: 1-309-797-1500

Toll-Free: 1-800-238-8022

Email: [email protected]

Rock Island Auction Company - Rock Island

7819 42nd Street West

Rock Island, IL, 61201, USA

Page 1 of 1

Showing 1-7 of 7 results

Exceptionally Fine, Incredibly Scarce .64 Caliber Colt Model 1855 Percussion Revolving Military Rifle with Bayonet

Colt Model 1855 Revolving Military .64 Caliber Rifle

R.L. Wilson in "The Book of Colt Firearms" lists the total production of .64 caliber Colt Model 1855 revolving rifles at 25 or less, all of them military rifles, and also indicates that they were numbered within the same range as the .56 caliber rifles. They make up around 1/4 of a percent of the total production of the Model 1855 Military Rifles. The U.S. government purchased over 4,000 of Colt revolving rifles and carbines during the Civil War. Some were issued to the Berdan Sharpshooters. It is possible these large caliber revolving rifles were designed for the U.S. Navy given the Navy's use of other large caliber rifles like the Plymouth rifles during the era. This rifle has a block/blade front sight, notch and two-leaf rear sight graduated for 100, 300 and 500 yards, "COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." on the top strap, the 1857 patent marking on the left side of the frame, the 1850 patent date on a cylinder flute, "K" on the left side of the trigger guard, "74" on the bottom of the frame and trigger guard, long forend with brass cap and two barrel bands, 5-shot fluted cylinder, cleaning rod compartment in the stock (empty), and leather sling. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a "US" marked socket bayonet with leather scabbard and hanger. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 64

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Historic Documented Civil War Union Sharpshooter's Cased William Craig, Pittsburgh Percussion Target Rifle with Morgan James Scope, False Muzzle, Accessories, Powder Horn and Diaries of R.J. May of Company D of the 2nd Bucktail Regiment and the Sharpshooter Battalion

Cased William Craig Pittsburgh Percussion Target Rifle & Scope

Many mid-19th century percussion target rifles are often believed to have been used by sharpshooters during the American Civil War, but relatively few have been identified as actually purchased and used by a genuine member of a sharpshooter unit during the war. This rifle has just that, and it has far more than an attribution: the actual diaries of the sharpshooter that owned and used this rifle during the Civil War are included, and these diaries include direct references to the purchase and use of his "Telescope rifle." Both the original historic three volumes and the modern transcription "The Civil War Diaries of a Union Soldier: Private Robert John May, Pittsburgh, Pa." accompany this historic rifle. The transcription includes the likeness of the rifle and the powder horn on the main title page and on the title page for each diary volume. Also included is an envelope of letters from and to May during the war discussing events (mainly letters written by him to his brother), a handwritten roster for Company D, and express receipts. Writing on January 3, 1863, he notes he had given Lincoln's "paw a wag" while stationed in D.C. and felt sorry for the president. One of the letters from the end of the war discusses the rumor of Jefferson Davis wearing petticoats. The rifle's case is also marked "R.J. MAY." on the lid, and the powder horn is inscribed "R.J. May" on the base plug and is also discussed in the diaries. Together, this creates an incredible documented set that would be a historically significant addition to any institutional or private collection of Civil War arms. Union sharpshooter Private Robert John May (1830-1896) served in Company D of the famous 149th Pennsylvania, the 2nd Bucktail Regiment. The unit's service is covered in detail in "General History of Company D, 149th Pennsylvania Volunteers and Personal Sketches of the Members" compiled by John W. Nesbit (copy included) which includes an entry for May stating he "enlisted August 22nd, 1862, and served with the company until the Sharpshooter's Battalion was organized, when he was transferred to that service and served there until the close of the war. Private May was an excellent soldier, intelligent and conscientious. He served the entire term without wounds or sickness, taking part in every battle, skirmish or march in which the Regiment was engaged. He was born December 25th, 1830, in Allegheny City, Pa." It notes he worked in the foundry and machine business with his brother and moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked as the superintendent of the Kingsland & Ferguson Foundry and Machine Co. and also worked at the government arsenal there until April of 1861 when he moved to Pittsburgh where he operated a foundry and machine business at Elizabeth and later Keesport. He remained in that line of business until his death on April 10, 1896. He mustered out at Elmira, New York, in June 1865 as discussed in one of the included letters. Page 49 of the book discussed May's move to the Corps Sharpshooter Battalion and states: "The sharpshooters were known throughout the Corps for their daring and effective work." The men of the Bucktails wore bucktails on their hats as symbols of their superior marksmanship and were talented skirmishers and sharpshooters. They fought in the 1st Army Corps in 1863 to spring of 1864 and then the 5th Army Corps until the end of the war and saw action Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, North Anna, Totopotomoy Creek, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Globe Tavern, Hatcher's Run, and Five Forks. They lost 4 officers and 160 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and an additional 172 enlisted men from disease. Three monuments to the 149th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment are on the hollowed grounds of the Gettysburg battlefield, including a monument to Company D southwest of Gettysburg at the north end of West Confederate Avenue at Middle Street that was erected in 1886. In the included diaries, May wrote about his experiences, including at Gettysburg. July 2, 1863: "It is likely the fight today will be a decisive one...there has been a terrific cannonading today...Our corps was held in reserve until near dark when the enemy became more furious in our front and on the left when we were thrown to the second line from the front. -We drove the Rebs beautifully - our Brigade were sent out (what was left of it) on Picket and remained - our Div. was cut to pieces yesterday - I might say the corps -Our Brigade wont' make a Reg't - our Reg't went in with about 400 & have a little over 100 - It is said today witnessed the hardest fighting of the war." July 3, 1863: "Remained all last night on picket - had no sleep - a most disagreeable duty we lay on the Battlefield with dead and dying on all sides- the suffering of the wounded was terrible... This morning the enemy opened on our lines with their [artillery] - very soon they got their answer and more - the nearest Reb Battery was only about 500 yds. in front of us where we lat at the picket line....we lay under the fire of both lines of artillery for nearly two hours - our own guns came very near ruining us several times - dropping shells within a few feet of us..." Sharpshooters during the war are known to have brought their own privately owned target rifles rather than use issued rifles. In many instances, they were already very experienced using their custom built target rifles which were more accurate than a standard rifle-musket or most of the other arms the men would have been issued by the government, but in some instances, they also purchased new rifles for use in the war. Excepts from May's diaries are included and indicate he was selected for sharpshooter duty and ordered and received a "Telescope rifle" while stationed at Petersburg. In an entry on July 19, 1864, "In front of Peter'g, Va." he said, "Wrote to Will concerning those Telescopic rifles. . ." (his brother William May), and the following day wrote, "This morning more names were taken for the sharp-shooting Battalion. Wrote to Will this evening ordering two 'Target rifles' -one for Ustick Rothrock." Rothrock was a comrade from Company D who served with May and the sharpshooters. A letter from May to his brother in August of 1864 notes that "U.R." liked his gun, and another to May from Rothrock in November 1865 is included discussing their friendship. Further entries from Petersburg in August include: August 7: "I last night rec'd a letter from Will containing express rec'pt for two gun..."August 12: "I am getting impatient for my Telescope." August 15: "...four of us went to our captn of Sharpshooters to report to duty..." August 17: "I rec'd my Telescope Rifle yesterday evening & so did some others - I am well pleased with my gun." On September 1 at "P & W. R.R. Va." he wrote, "eight of us - with our Telescopes, went nearly a mile [and a quarter] toward Petersburg along the R.R. and took position. The Johns honored me with a few shots while I was crossing the road [wagon] pretty soon we opened on them at about 700 yards - in about an hour two rebs came out signifying a desire for a talk, one of our pickets met them. It was agreed there would be no firing, except an advance should be attempted by either party..." One the 10th, he noted having an accidental discharged that damaged his wiping rod and required him to pull a ball. On the 17th at "The Yellow House, Va." he "was busy making a Powder horn" and on the 20th he notes "I worked at a horn Powder-flask during spare time." On the 5th of October, he shipped the case home from City Point. Other entries note the success in the sharpshooters such as a report on October 9, 1864 at "Pegram place" of a Confederate deserter telling them they had killed 7 gunners and 6 horses of the Confederate battery. On November 24, 1864, May "cleaned up my Telescope and made a new wiping-stick", He notes of practicing in January 1865. The gunmaker, William Craig (c. 1820-1877), is listed as born in England and as working as a gunmaker in Pittsburgh, P.A. c. 1844-1847 before moving to California from 1857 to c. 1860. He returned to Pennsylvania during the Civil War. This rifle gunsmith in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1844-1847. He moved to California in 1857 and is still in the 1860 Census in Sonora. Shortly after 1860, he returned to Pennsylvania. The barrel is signed "Wm CRAIG/PITTSBURGH." on top ahead of the breech and has a turned down muzzle with a textured band and post holes for the included false muzzle as well as small holes in the breech section for use with a rest and a thin dovetail near the muzzle for the front scope mount. The rear scope mount fits into the upper tang. The scope is 35 1/2 inches long and is marked "M JAMES/UTICA" for well-known early scope and rifle maker Morgan James of Utica, New York. The ramrod ferrules are mounted to the underside of the barrel using dovetails. The massive breech plug has a cleanout screw and is marked "Wm CRAIG" on the upper left. The back action lock has a scene of a dog chasing a pheasant and scroll and border engraving. The rifle has double set triggers, and the trigger guard is spurred. The half-stock has coarse diamond checkering and a crescent iron buttplate and toe plate. The case contains a wide variety of shooting and maintenance accouterments. The powder flask is missing the top which is notable since the powder horn made by May has an "AM. FLASK & CAP CO." top fitted to the mouth with an adjustable spout. The horn is an interesting design between a normal rounded horn and a flat horn. It is flattened at the base and has a base plug shaped almost like the sole of a boot with a staple surrounded by crosshatching on the "heel" and "R.J. May" inscribed in the "toe" section.

Documentation

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50

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Very Scarce Civil War U.S. Contract Merrill Breech Loading Percussion Rifle

Civil War U.S. Contract Merrill Breech Loading Percussion Rifle

Reportedly, only 770 Merrill rifles were manufactured by James H. Merrill for the U.S. Ordnance Department during the Civil War. The 21st Indiana Volunteer Infantry (1st Indiana Heavy Artillery) Regiment are the only known to be armed almost entirely with these rifles. The rifles were also issued in limited numbers to sharpshooters in Michigan, Arkansas, and Massachusetts regiments. The Merrill rifles are generally considered to be among the rarest and most sought-after percussion rifles of the war. It shows standard markings and features. Matching serial numbers on the rear of the breech and lock. Left stock flat marked with boxed script inspector cartouche "ZB" (Zadock Butt). Includes leather sling, wood tampion, and tools in patch box. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 54

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Exceptional, Possibly Finest Known, Civil War Berdan's Sharpshooters Sharps New Model 1859 Percussion Rifle with Leather Sleeve Inscribed J. B. Baker

Civil War Berdan's Sharpshooters Sharps New Model 1859 Rifle

Sharps New Model 1859 rifle manufactured c. 1862. This is one of 2,000 Sharps Model 1859 rifles purchased by the Ordnance Department for issue to the 1st and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooter Regiments organized and recruited by Col. Hiram Berdan in 1861-62. Berdan was a prominent New York businessman and target shooter. Berdan's two U.S. Sharpshooter regiments (U.S.S.) were composed of experienced marksman from Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Wisconsin. The regiments were intended to serve as skirmishers and light infantry modeled on the famous British Rifle Brigade. Like their British counterparts the U.S.S. were issued dark green uniforms with non-reflective black buttons. Berdan selected the New Model 1859 Sharps rifle to arm the Sharpshooters, replacing the originally issued Colt Model 1855 rifles. After considerable lobbying by Berdan, the Ordnance Department agreed to supply the Sharpshooters with 2,000 Sharps rifles. Genuine examples of the Model 1859 rifles manufactured for Berdan's U.S. Sharpshooters fall within the reported serial number range of 54374-57567. Berdan rifles are known to have factory double set triggers, a 30 inch barrel with a block front sight that serves as a socket bayonet lug, Lawrence patent ladder rear sight with readings graduated to 800 yards and a 900 yard center notch at the top, and a casehardened iron patch box. On pg. 82 of the book "Sharpshooter" by Wiley Sword it states, "...a detail of sharpshooters cut small sticks to fit to the sight in order to increase the elevation while at the Po River in 1864. Their shots at an estimated 1,500 yards distance caused a Confederate signal station to be abandoned, reported an observer." The U.S.S. regiments were assigned to the Army of the Potomac and saw extensive action at the battles of Yorktown, Gaines Mill, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Grovetown and Antietam in 1862. In 1863 the regiments were heavily engaged at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Mine Run. By autumn of 1863 most of the surviving members of the 1st U.S.S. completed their three-year enlistment and were mustered out of service. The survivors of the 2nd U.S.S. continued to serve until February 1865 when the regiment was disbanded. The Berdan's Sharpshooters served with distinction in some of the most important battles of the Civil War and claimed to have inflicted more casualties on the Confederate Army than any other Federal regiments. The underside flat of the forearm ahead of the trigger guard and the top of the stock ahead of the buttplate is marked with the inspector initials "O.W.A." (Orville W. Ainsworth). The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "SHARPS RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN." in three lines ahead of the rear sight and "NEW MODEL 1859" behind it. The underside of the barrel is marked with the matching serial number "55015" ahead of an "X", "2" and an "eagle". A partial "O" is stamped on the left side of the barrel below the wood line. The receiver is fitted with the Lawrence pellet primer. The right side plate is roll-stamped with the Sharps 1852 patent markings and the R.S. Lawrence 1859 patent markings. The left side of the receiver is stamped with the Sharps two-line patent markings. The serial number "55015" is stamped on the upper receiver tang. The middle barrel band and stock are fitted with factory sling swivels. The barrel and breechblock are blued, and the barrel bands, receiver, hammer, lever, patch box and buttplate are color casehardened. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut. Includes a period leather sleeve marked "J. B. BAKER" and embellished with borders surrounding a sun on either side. A Private James Baker of Wayne County, Michigan is listed as a 1st U.S. Volunteer Sharpshooter mustered in with Company K on November 19th, 1861 at 20 years of age and reportedly "deserted" camp in Detroit Michigan on March 3rd, 1862. According to Marcot's book "Sharp's Firearms, The Percussion Era 1848-1865" by Roy Marcot, "...the first of the rifles for Berdan were sent from Hartford... to Berdan's 1st Regiment on May 8, 1862." This would mean that Private James Baker deserted two months before the first shipments of these Sharps rifles were received. Interestingly, there is also a Captain James H. Baker (different middle initial than what is on the case) of Lansing, Michigan mustered in with Company C on August 26th, 1861 at 22 years of age. This Captain James H. Baker would receive a left wrist injury at Second Bull Run, Virginia on August 30th, 1862 and a second injury involving a piece of shell in the chest at Chancellorsville, Virginia on May 3rd, 1863, and survived to tell about it with a muster out date of November 21st, 1863. It is certainly plausible the J. B. Baker marked on this leather sleeve is related, or a leather maker. Of the surviving Berdan Sharps rifles left today, this example offered is possibly the finest specimen extant and was stored away from the light of day for many years. Most of these rifles would see hard use in the major battles of the Civil War and be dropped in battle or go through multiple arsenal overhauls. Also included are two rare single cavity bullet molds and a lead ladle marked "4".

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 52

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Rare Winchester Hotchkiss Second Model Army Target Rifle

Winchester Hotchkiss Second Model Army Target Rifle

This rifle is item 1536A from the “Unique Collection Assembled by Recipient of Congressional Medal of Honor and Exhibition Shooter for Winchester” George Albee in N. Flayderman & Co.’s Catalog No. 103. Flayderman acquired Albee’s collection which he notes had been in a museum collection since Albee’s death. Flayderman notes documentation (not included) that indicated he worked on the development of the Winchester Hotchkiss and used one at Creedmoor in 1882. A target shot by Albee at that match was used to promote the Winchester-Hotchkiss. This rifle is listed as “Just About Mint Rare Variant Winchester Hotchkiss 2nd Model Full Stock Military Musket.” Albee is noted as “instrumental in developing” the safety and cutoff used on the 2nd Model Hotckiss. “Believe this is exact model used by Albee himself at [Creedmoor] shoots.” The extra-long tang, special sights, and brass sight covers are noted. Only a few target variations were made, mostly for U.S. Army shooting teams. Some of them were chambered for the 2.4 inch case, the standard cartridge used at Creedmoor for long range shooting. This one, which belonged to Lt. George E. Albee (1845-1918), was chambered for the standard 2.1 inch or 45/70 case. He is believed to have used this at Creedmoor over the summer of 1882 in the "Lorillard" matches. These matches, also called the "rapidity with accuracy" matches, required the use of military weapons and were determined by the number of shots and the score made on standard targets, all fired offhand, at 200 yards in sixty seconds. Albee fired an average of 19 shots per match with an average score of 55 points, which was a better average than his nearest competitor's individual highest score. This was perhaps to be expected. Albee served with Berdan's 1st U.S. Sharpshooters and the Wisconsin light artillery and infantry during the Civil War. He continued his military career after the war as a lieutenant in the U.S. Colored Infantry and U.S. Infantry, winning the Congressional Medal of Honor in the Brazos River Campaign in 1869. After retiring from the Army in 1878, he was employed by Winchester, including developing the Hotchkiss, and also served in the Connecticut National Guard, including as captain of the "National Blues" Company D 2nd Regiment Connecticut National Guard in 1891 and later as major and Brigade Inspector of Rifle Practice of the Connecticut National Guard shortly thereafter. At the time of the 1882 matches, he was working closely with Winchester. Letters exist from Winchester Vice President (soon to become President) Thomas G. Bennett scolding Albee about his low scores in the matches. After "Your various favors on the 3rd Inst.", which we can assume were scathing, Bennett apologized: "we recognize the difference in the rules." Other competitors in the matches using the Hotchkiss were R.T. Hare and M.W. Bull, both of Springfield Armory, who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively, and a few who only lasted one day. These matches were shot using the Hotchkiss "as a single loader," and Winchester used that in some of their sales flyers, pointing out that Hare had fired the Hotchkiss 32 times in 60 seconds as a single loader. This was faster than most magazine rifles had been fired. While we think that this was the rifle used by Albee at Creedmoor, we know that it was the one used in the 1882 trials, as it has the modifications suggested by the trial board and mentioned in one of the letters referred to above. These include the change in contour of the safety and cutoff knobs and the gas escape holes in the sides of the receiver. Albee's rifle is equipped with a Winchester long range tang sight. It is also fitted with brass covers for the muzzle, front sight, and rear barrel sight. The rear barrel sight has the range graduations marked in Eastern Arabic. It is a stepped sight, unlike any that Winchester normally used, and is a possible indication of why these rifles are so scarce in this country. The ramrod is also different with a separate head designed for use with the Springfield type stop in the bottom of the forearm. Winchester advertised these rifles, but as with other special Hotchkiss rifles, kept no records on their sale. The bolt on this rifle has the very short handle found on some sporting rifles, while the standard military rifle usually has a longer one. Provenance: George Albee, Flayderman Catalog #103, and the Collections of Frank Sellers and George Moller

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45/70

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Documented Civil War Era H.E. Dimick Percussion Rifle

Civil War Era H.E. Dimick Percussion Rifle

This rifle is pictured on page 436 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III: Flintlock Alterations and Muzzleloading Percussion Shoulder Arms, 1840-1865" by George Moller in his discussion about the rifles supplied by Horace E. Dimick of St. Louis, Missouri, during the Civil War, including the rifles he supplied for Birge's Western Sharpshooters. This rifle is marked "H.E. DIMICK" on the barrel twice: once ahead of the rear sight and once behind, and Moller notes that "REMINGTON/CAST STEEL" is marked on the lower right flat under the stock. It has a turned down muzzle for use with a starter with a marking on the face that appears to be "CC", a German silver "Rocky Mountain" blade front sight, a U-notch rear sight, adjustable double set triggers, a spurred iron trigger guard, pewter forend cap with the angled profile found on other Dimick rifles, two barrel wedges, a plain stock with Moller's "GDM" collection mark near the toe, and a crescent iron buttplate. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 42

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Rare and Desirable U.S. Martially Marked Colt Model 1855 Artillery Percussion Revolving Carbine with Saber Bayonet

U.S. Marked Colt 1855 Military Revolving Carbine with Bayonet

This is a solid representative example of a rare U.S. martially marked Colt Model 1855 Artillery revolving carbine that was manufactured prior to the Civil War. According to page 199 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson, only 62 Colt Model 1855 Artillery model carbines were produced in this configuration, distinguished in having two barrel bands, .56 caliber 24 inch barrel with right mounted saber bayonet lug, and 5-shot fluted cylinder. The Ordnance Department purchased 4,613 Colt 1855 Military rifles and carbines during the Civil War; nearly 900 of these rifles were purchased from B. Kittredge and other commercial sources, and over 3,700 rifles were purchased directly from Colt. The 1st and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters (Berdan's Sharpshooters), the 21st Ohio Infantry and 2nd Michigan Cavalry were primarily armed with Colt Model 1855 Military rifles. This carbine has a root-type side hammer and a ratchet-type loading lever. Brass blade front sight and the folding three-leaf rear sight is graduated for 100, 300 and 600 yards. The rifle has an iron cleaning rod with knurled handle and threaded end fitted in the forearm. "COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." marked on the top strap sight groove. "COLTS/PATENT/US" marked on the upper tang ahead of "NOV 24. 1857". Small "H" inspector stamp visible on the left side of the trigger guard bow. Matching serial number "1299" marked on the barrel beneath the forearm, in the forearm channel, under the frame, trigger guard tang, and on the toe of the buttplate. The buttplate has a sliding trap door containing a brass cleaning rod. Walnut stock and forearm. Factory sling swivels are located on the rear barrel band and trigger guard tang with correct style reproduction sling. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a "Brazilian Navy" saber bayonet with 24 inch blade made by Schnitzler & Kirschbaum of Solingen, Prussia and marked with "S&K" and naval anchor markings at the base of the blade, and "2010" on the base of the brass handle. Also includes a metal-tipped leather scabbard that is slightly undersized for the length of the blade. These bayonets were originally intended for shipment to the Brazilian Navy, but most saw use in the American Civil War. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 56

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