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/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #83

Premier Firearms Auction #83

September 10, 2021 to September 12, 2021

This auction has ended.

/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #83

Premier Firearms Auction #83

September 10, 2021 to September 12, 2021

This auction has ended.

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 7

Showing 1-50 of 318 results

Incredibly Rare and Historically Important Schroeder U.S. Contract Martially Inspected Needle Fire Trials Carbine

Lot 208

Schroeder U.S. Contract Needle Fire Trials Carbine

Designed by Hermann Schroeder, William Schmidt and Louis Salewski of Bloomington, Illinois, as evidenced by patent number 16,288 dated December 23rd, 1856. In the patent text it states, "The nature of our invention relates to that class of fire-arms termed 'breech-loading guns;' and it consists in so uniting the barrel with the cock or hammer as that the act of moving forward the barrel to open its breech shall cock the gun... The charge which we use is the loaded cartridge with the pellet or priming in front of instead of in the rear of the powder, and the ball may be conical or of any other well-known form or construction." Similar to the Prussian Dreyse needle guns of the same time period in use overseas. The Army Ordnance Board tested the Schroeder in July of 1856 and contracted for ten carbines in 1857. Further trials were performed with the ten contract carbines in March of 1860 by the Ordnance Board, but at that time the gun was deemed unfit for military service. Flayderman's Guide states, "This very rare and unusual arm has the distinction of being the only needle fire weapon purchased on contract by the U.S. Government. The order for ten is believed all that were purchased." Silver blade front and three-position flip-up rear sight. Brass disc depicting an "Eagle with shield/U.S." on the upper tang, and brass fittings. "GDM" (George D. Moller) small collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. The right side flat of the stock marked with an inverted "R.H.K.W." (Robert Henry Kirkwood Whiteley, Captain) boxed script inspection cartouche, indicating this example as one of the ten trials carbines. This is the first and only Schroeder needle fire carbine this writer has seen publicly offered for sale. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 53

Price Realized:

Incredibly Rare and Historically Significant Documented Hall Model 1817 Breech Loading Flintlock Rifle with Bayonet, Part of the Very First U.S. Federal Contract for 100

Lot 1152

Documented U.S. Hall Model 1817 Breech Loading Flintlock Rifle

This is an incredibly rare example of a Hall Model 1817 breech loading rifle, manufactured at John Hall's original shop in Maine under a U.S. government contract for 100 rifles. The Hall Model 1817 rifle was the very first breech loading firearm procured by the federal government, and the subsequently adopted Model 1819 would become the first mass produced firearm with completely interchangeable parts. Hall Model 1817 U.S. contract breech loading rifles are described on pages 460-464 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II", with this exact rifle photographed on four of the pages. The book states, "On November 20, 1816, Maine gunmaker John H. Hall proposed to furnish the government with 100 of his patent breechloading rifles with bayonets at $25 each. Chief of Ordnance Decius Wadsworth accepted the proposal on January 10, 1817, with the provision that the rifles were to be delivered within one year. Hall completed the 100 rifles by October 1817. They were subsequently inspected by George Talcott and were accepted by the Ordnance Department on December 5. Some authors in the field have written that it was the successful firing trials conducted with these rifles that led to Hall's contract of 1819 and the subsequent manufacture of thousands of these rifles at Harpers Ferry Armory and under U.S. contract. However, the only known firing trial of any Hall 1817 contract rifles consisted of five shots fired from a single rifle. This trial resulted in a negative report on the rifle. Ninety-eight of these rifles were shipped from Boston, via Baltimore and Pittsburgh, to St. Louis in 1818. An 1822 report of the arms at Bellefontaine Arsenal, Missouri, included ninety-four 'Patent Rifles.' Forts Smith and Atkinson had a total of three more rifles at this same time. All ninety-eight rifles were included in an 1827 inventory of arms at Bellefontaine Arsenal. Available information indicates that these rifles were issued to a Missouri militia unit entering federal service in the mid-1830s. If true, they probably were issued for militia use in order to conserve the armory-made Model 1819 Hall rifles for the riflemen of the regular army. This information, which has not been verified, asserts that the Missouri militia unit took the rifles to Florida, where they were used in the Seminole Wars." Features an octagonal barrel with eight-groove rifling the length, a 3 5/8" rounded section at the muzzle with a rectangular lug on top for socket bayonet mounting, wedge barrel retainers, left offset dovetail mounted front and rear sights to accommodate for the right offset flintlock action components at the breech. Brown lacquer finish on the barrel, casehardened breechblock, wooden ramrod with a brass tip. The top front of the breech block is marked "JOHN H. HALL/PATENT" in two lines, and the right side of the breech block is marked "R.B." and "32" (partial 2). The brass upper tang is "US" marked. Golden age American long rifle influence is evident in the stock and fittings including the brass trigger guard with a prominent finger spur, brass patch box, and curved brass buttplate. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a socket bayonet marked "JB" and "US", wood tampion, tools and an extra flint in the patch box. Outside of museums, surviving Hall Model 1817 rifles are nearly nonexistent in collections today. One is known to reside in the Harpers Ferry Armory museum and one in the Missouri History museum, with their collection record stating fewer than five are known. As the first, and likely the only, Hall U.S. Model 1817 rifle this writer has cataloged for sale at Rock Island Auction, the extreme significance and rarity of this rifle can not be expressed enough! Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 52

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare U.S. Springfield Armory Pedersen T2-E1 Carbine Serial Number "1"

Lot 470

Serial Number 1 U.S. Springfield Armory Pedersen T2-E1 Carbine

This is an extremely rare example of the original Pedersen "T" series toggle lock mechanism test carbines that was developed after the rifle version in the late 1920s. This model features a retarded blow-back, toggle-jointed mechanism as developed by the already famous John D. Pedersen, who was an innovator and firearms designer in his own right. After WWI he advocated that semi-automatic rifles should be easier and lighter, shooting a lighter weight cartridge that developed less heat and recoil. It was this same concept that led him to design the famous Pedersen device to convert Model 1903 bolt action rifles into Semi-Automatic rifles, a concept way ahead of its time. In this new design he developed the radical .276 Pedersen cartridge firing a much lighter bullet than the 30-06 which was eventually tested (and competed) along with his toggle-jointed mechanism against the M1 Garand rifle in the 1930s. He is also credited with developing the "en-bloc" cartridge clip design, with the only flaw being his clip was unidirectional (ie it had to be inserted in one directly only) while the John Garand designed clip was reversible allowed it to be inserted form either direction. His original rifle designs were designated the T1 series rifles and the then prototype M1 Garands were the T3 series rifles. This model as noted is the calvary carbine version of Pedersen original design designated the "T2-E1" series. It featured the same original toggle-jointed mechanism (like the German Luger) only in a carbine version. The left side of the receiver is marked "U.S. SEMI-AUTO RIFLE-T2-E1/CAL-.276-PEDERSEN PATENTS". followed by a British "NP" proof. The right side is stamped with only serial number "1". It is fitted with a 22 inch barrel with the shortened walnut half-stock but still retains the perforated sheet metal handguard and fixed extended box magazine chambered for the noted .276 Pedersen cartridge. It has the fully adjustable rear sight with the fixed high front sight. This is an unbelievably rare test model of the original Pedersen rifles and carbines. This super rare carbine is complete with a WWI era leather sling, one unidirectional en-block clip loaded with 10 rounds of original .276 ammunition and a full box (20rds) of the original .276 Pedersen cartridges. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 276

Price Realized:

Exceptionally Rare and Outstanding U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with Matching Warner & Swasey Sniper Scope Mount

Lot 3511

Springfield Model 1903 Sniper Rifle with Warner & Swasey Scope

This original unaltered Model 1903 Springfield rifle was manufactured in 1916 and fitted with a Model 1913 Warner & Swasey Musket Sight (telescopic sight) marked with the rifle serial number. The U.S. Army purchased 5,730 Model 1913 W&S Musket Sights between 1913 and 1918. Most Model 1913 Warner & Swasey sights were mounted on Springfield M1903 rifles in the 620,000-673,000 serial number range "Springfield Research Service Serial Numbers of U.S. Martial Arms, 1st Ed." p. 56. Any Model 1903 Springfield rifles with their original Warner & Swasey sights matching serial numbered to the rifle are exceptionally rare, as almost all were disassembled after World War I and were converted back into standard Model 1903 rifles. This rifle is a pre-World War I Springfield M1903 with blued barrel, rear sight base, barrel bands, trigger guard, floor plate, and bolt. The receiver is casehardened with a black, oil-quenched finish. The cut-off lever and safety lock have a water-quenched casehardened finish with vivid case colors. The "ON" side of the cut-off and the face of the rear sight are polished bright. The rear sight has the 2,850 yard center volley notch and windage and elevation knobs with dished faces. The trigger is grooved with a cross-hatched tip. The buttplate has fine checkering. The left side of the receiver is fitted with the original Warner & Swasey mounting bracket secured by three screws. The bracket screws are flush with the inside of the receiver and are staked in place. The oil-finished, black walnut, "S" type, stock has grasping grooves and a single reinforcing bolt. The left side of the stock is arsenal inleted to clear the feet on the scope bracket, (base). The "high hump" handguard has a sight clearance cut and two spring clips. The receiver is roll-stamped: "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/MODEL 1903" in four lines above the serial number "632259". The barrel is roll-stamped behind the front sight with "SA/ordnance shell and flame/4-16". An "H" is stamped on the underside of the bayonet lug. The steel lot code "I 8" is stamped on the underside of the bolt safety lug. The left side of the stock is stamped with a boxed "DAL" cartouche which was the final Ordnance inspection mark and the underside grip area of the stock behind the trigger guard is stamped with an encircled, script "P" proof mark . A "D" sub-inspection mark is stamped in the cut-off recess of the stock. The early production Warner & Swasey telescopic sight is in the proper serial number range for this rifle and has a black enamel finish and the windage and elevation knobs have a black, oil-quenched, casehardened finish. The sight is complete with the original rubber eyepiece. A black painted, wind-correction/range-correction scale is attached to the top of the telescopic sight by four screws. The left side of the telescopic sight body is roll-stamped: "TELESCOPIC MUSKET SIGHT/MODEL of 1913 No. 2533/THE WARNER & SWASEY CO." above the two-line address and patent dates. The inside of the telescopic sight mount dovetail is stamped: "FOR RIFLE NO. 632259". The marking has been stamped with a fixture and the letters and numbers are neatly aligned and have uniform depth. Model 1903 rifles equipped with Model 1913 Warner & Swasey Musket Sights were used by the U.S. Army on the Mexican Punitive Expedition in 1916 and in France by the American Expeditionary Force in 1917-18. The Model 1903 rifle equipped with a Model 1913 Warner & Swasey Musket Sight was the first issue U.S. sniper rifle with a telescopic sight. All original Model 1903 rifles with Warner & Swasey Muskets sight are rare; examples with matching serial numbers are almost never encountered. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 30-06

Price Realized:

Incredibly Rare and Historic CONGRESSIONAL PRESENTATION Hall Model 1819 Breech Loading Flintlock Rifle with Bayonet, Presented to Ethan Everist for Gallantry as a Young Man During the Siege of Plattsburgh During the War of 1812, One of the Only Firearms Ever Presented by Congress for Gallantry

Lot 164

CONGRESSIONAL PRESENTATION Hall 1819 Breech Loading Rifle

This incredibly historic rifle is one of just seventeen Model 1819 Hall rifles authorized to be presented by a resolution of the U.S. Congress to a group of men who, mostly as teenagers, fought along side other American forces under General Alexander Macomb during the siege of Plattsburgh in northeastern New York on September 11, 1814, during the War of 1812. These presentation rifles are the only firearms presented directly by Congress for gallantry/valor. Several of these important rifles are in museum collections, and approximately ten are reportedly known today. Captain Aiken's rifle is on display at the Kent-Delord House Museum in Plattsburgh, and Gustavous A. Bird's rifle is part of the collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History (accession number 25598). The distinctive and original silver plaque on the right side of the butt reads "BY RESOLVE OF CONGRESS/Presented to/ETHAN EVERIST/For his GALLANTRY at the/SIEGE OF PLATTSBURGH" and is engraved with olive branches. The original shield silver wrist inlay is inscribed "E.E/SEP.11th/1814". Unlike the usual Model 1819 Hall rifles, the rifling on this rifle extends all of the way to the muzzle. It has the usual off-set blade and notch sights found on Hall rifles. The breech block is marked "J.H. HALL" and the stock has the inspector's mark "WB" on the bottom behind the trigger guard. Hall Model 1819 congressional presentation rifles are described on pages 466-467 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume II", in which the book indicates that only eight of these historic rifles were known to survive at the time of the book's publication in 1993 but does not list this rifle or Smith Bateman's rifle sold by our auction company back in December of 2020, indicating at least ten are extant. Aiken's Volunteer Riflemen were a group of teenage boys from the Plattsburgh Academy that were too young to enlist but fought as volunteers with Martin James Aiken (1791-1828) as their captain and Azariah Flagg (1790-1873) as their lieutenant. They were among a smaller force of 1,500 regulars and around 2,500 militia under General Alexander Macomb that faced off against a British army of 14,000 soldiers under Sir George Prevost, the Governor in Chief of Canada. During the battle, the volunteers defended the Bridge Street Bridge, retreated across the bridge pulling up planks along the way to slow the British advance, and then fought from the far side of the Saranac River at the stone mill. The battle was decided by the American naval victory over the British fleet, which forced the enemy to abandon their attack on Plattsburgh. These volunteers were recognized by General Alexander Macomb for their orderly conduct in the face of British soldiers during the siege, while many grown men were routed easily or shirked their duty entirely throughout the war. They were reported to be excellent scouts and marksmen. They also lost a fourteen year-old boy during the fighting. Macomb tried to get the boys military issued rifles but was told he did not have the authority to do so, but also did not forget his promise. In 1822, newspapers reported on Macomb's effort to fulfill his promise and listed Ethan Everist and the other 16, and noted that Congressional authorization was required. The House of Representatives passed a resolution that year, but the procurement of the rifles was stalled in the Senate, ultimately gaining approval on May 20th, 1826. Congress authorized seventeen rifles: fifteen for the boys (grown men by this time), including Ethan Everist, and their two officers. The resolution appears in the records for the first session of the 19th Congress under the heading "Resolution authorizing the delivery of Rifles promised to Captain Aiken’s volunteers, at the siege of Plattsburgh" and directed President John Quincy Adams to present "one rifle, promised them by General Macomb, while commanding the Champlain Department, for their gallantry and patriotic services as a volunteer corps during the siege of Plattsburgh. On each of which said rifles there shall be a plate containing an appropriate inscription." Little has been discovered about Ethan Everist's life. General Macomb was promoted to commanding general of the U.S. Army in 1828. The Battle of Plattsburgh was an important victory for the United States in a war that was full of all too many embarrassing defeats including the burning of the nation's capital only a few weeks prior. The victory helped the position of the American peace negotiators and prevented the United States from losing any territory when the conflict ended late that year. Includes a socket bayonet, leather sling, wood tampion, a DVD recording of an Antiques Road Show segment featuring this rifle, and copies of the House of Representatives Congressional documents authorizing the delivery of these rifles. Included documentation states that this rifle was kept in possession of the Everist family until it was purchased from them in 2002 by the owner before George Moller. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 52

Price Realized:

Lot 1121

Revolutionary War Era Jacob Dickert Flintlock American Longrifle

This rifle is featured on pages 183 and 184 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George Moller and has his very small and faint "GDM" collection mark by the toe. Moller states, "This Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, rifle was made by Jacob Dickert sometime between 1761 and the outbreak of the Revolutionary War." Jacob Dickert (1740-1822) was a German immigrant born near Mainz and was one of the most prominent Pennsylvania riflesmiths and was active in Lancaster County, recognized as the most significant center of rifle production in colonial America, from the 1760s until his death in 1822. During his lifetime, the American long rifle, American backwoods riflemen, and the Pennsylvania gunmakers became famous thanks to reports of American marksmen picking off British officers and other targets of opportunity from long range, acts the British considered ungentlemanly. During the war, there are recorded references to Dickert rifles far from Lancaster. Dickert didn't make all of his rifles himself but instead ran an organized and productive shop, particularly during the war when Lancaster became an important center for American arms manufacturing. His name became virtually synonymous with the American rifles, sometimes distorted as "Deckard." With a Dickert rifle, the best American marksmen could reliably hit targets at over 200 and even 300 yards while the average infantryman with a musket would do well to reliably hit a target at 100 yards. George Washington famously employed riflemen to terrorize the British in the north, and the "Over the Mountain Men" won the Battle of King's Mountain with rifles in the south. Both Morgan's men and some of the "Over the Mountain Men" are recorded as armed with Dickert rifles. Even though in reality they played a relatively minor role in the actual war, the riflemen and their rifles established a lasting reputation for individual American marksmen that continues to resonate today. This rifle certainly may have seen use by a rifleman during the war. It has traditional blade and notch sights, "J Dickert" signed on top, an unmarked lock, brass furniture, attractive four-piece patch box with simple engraving on the finial and the thin side plates and a plain domed lid, a release button for the patch box on the heel behind the buttplate screw, and a maple stock with raised relief carving around the ramrod entry point, barrel tang, rear of the wrist, and around the cheek rest. The carving below and to the rear of the cheek rest is particularly attractive and uses both incised lines and relief carving. The buttstock is rather stoutly built like other early Dickert rifles and has raised molding along the bottom terminating at the back of the trigger guard bow. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50

Price Realized:

Lot 3568

U.S. DWM Model 1902 American Eagle Cartridge Counter Luger

One of only 50 produced, all in the 22401-22450 serial number range, this is a representative example of a Model 1902 DWM Luger that has been fitted with the "Powell Indicating Device", commonly called a "Cartridge Counter" on the left side of the grip. Produced on order from the U.S. Board of Ordnance circa 1902-1903, the Cartridge Counter Luger is nearly identical to the Model 1900 Test Luger, with the addition of the Powell Device, which consisted of a magazine configured to have a cutout and guide screw extending through the left side and a 3 1/4 inch long slot in the left grip, aligned to match the magazine, with a guide numbered one through seven and a celluloid window to protect the internals. The screw, connected to the magazine follower, rests at the "7" position when loaded, advancing upward with the follower as rounds are discharged, permitting the soldier to determine his remaining rounds by merely looking at the grip; this addresses one of the complaints levelled at early automatic pistols, since a revolver user could easily visually verify if their weapon was loaded by just looking at the cylinder. With this upgrade, the 1902 Lugers were issued to the Cavalry and Light Artillery Boards at Ft. Riley, Kansas, on April 19, 1904 for field testing. Issuing their final report on July 4, 1904, the Cavalry Board recommended that these Lugers not be adopted for service. While a fine handgun, the Luger had a major point against it in the form of a rising bias in the American military establishment against handgun rounds smaller than .45 caliber, due to a belief that smaller rounds lack "shock effect" and "stopping power" based on reports from the Philippines and elsewhere of multiple center-mass shots from the then-issued .38 caliber revolvers failing to stop approaching enemies. Because of this rejection, a new set of trials would be called in 1905, which eventually led to the development and adoption of the U.S. 1911 pistol. Blade front and notch rear sights, with the "fat barrel" profile, American Eagle on the chamber, recessed breech bolt, dished toggles with the toggle lock on the right side, as produced during this time frame, and "DWM" on the toggle link. High polish rust blue finish overall, with straw colored lock bolt, trigger, magazine release ejector, extractor, toggle lock and safety lever which is polished bright under the "safety position". The grip screws and pins have a niter blue finish. The pistols have a grip safety with the first model thumb safety lever. Matching full numbers on the barrel and frame, with partial, renumbered to match, numbers on the latch, side plate, trigger, toggle links, extension, breechblock and grips. As noted previously, the left grip panel and magazine are fitted with the Powell Indicating Device, the latter also nickel finished with a nickel disk accented hardwood base. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm

Price Realized:

Incredibly Rare Documented Morse Experimental Breech Loading Center-Fire Alteration of a U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1841 "Mississippi" Rifle

Lot 1186

Morse Breech Loading Cartridge U.S. Harpers Ferry 1841 Rifle

The Morse breech loading cartridge alteration U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifle is described on pages 175-177 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III", with this exact rifle photographed on pages 176 and 177, in which it states, "Four Model 1841 rifles were altered at Harpers Ferry Armory in 1859 to the Morse breech loading system..." and states each of the three known surviving examples has features differing from the next; one of which is in Springfield Armory museum collection, item SPAR 949. The book states, "By the mid-1850s, the U.S. Congress recognized the shortcomings inherent in the hundred of thousands of percussion-altered flintlock smooth-bored muskets, Model 1842 smooth-bored muskets, and obsolete rifles possessed by the Army... It was hoped that a breechloading alteration could be applied to the old .69 caliber muskets and .54 caliber rifles that would somehow modernize the large numbers of these obsolete arms to serviceability... In response to this perceived need for breechloading arms, on June 12, 1858, the U.S. Congress approved the Army Appropriation Act for the following year. This act included an appropriation 'for the alteration of old arms so as to make them Breechloading arms upon a model to be selected and approved by a Board of Ordnance Officers.' Pursuant to this act, Ordnance Board officers were appointed by the secretary of war on July 8. Chief of Ordnance Colonel Craig wrote to several makers of breechloading arms, such as George W. Morse, James H. Merrill, Thomas Poultney, and Dr. Edwin Maynard, inviting them to present models for the alteration of arms to breechloading. These trials were to be of breechloading rifles and muskets, not carbines. The Ordnance Board met on July 22, 1858, at West Point. Only three breechloading systems were submitted and tested in these trials. The trials report recommended procurement of a limited quantity of arms based on the breechloading system of George Morse for field trials... On September 9, 1858, Morse granted the government the right to alter 2,500 arms to his breechloading system, for which he was paid $10,000.00... In July 1860, the Ordnance Department ordered Harpers Ferry Armory to alter Model 1841 rifles to the Morse breechloading system... The Model 1841 [and Model 1816] rifles undergoing alteration to the Morse breechloading system were among the arms destroyed in the April 18, 1861, fire at the Harpers Ferry Armory... The annual 'Report of the Principal Operations at the Springfield Armory, for the year ended June 30, 1859' states, '4 Harpers Ferry Rifles [were] altered to Morse' Breech Loader.' A single rifle appears to have been altered in June, perhaps to serve as a prototype for the three additional model rifles that were completed in September. Apparently, these rifles were transferred to Washington Arsenal." This rifle likely predates the subsequent Harpers Ferry Armory alterations performed c. 1860-61, of which Flayderman's Guide only references Morse alterations performed on Model 1816 muskets with no mention of M1841 rifles, but does state boldly, "The Morse is of great importance in firearms evolution, as the first U.S. breech-loading [center-fire metallic] cartridge longarm." This is also the first center-fire metallic cartridge U.S. longarm! The lock is dated 1852. The distinctive external "hammer" is used as a lever to manually cock the internal firing pin and unlock the breech lever. The top of the barrel of this example is "JGB" (James G. Benton) inspector marked forward of breech mechanism on top of barrel with an "I" marked after. "JLR" (John L. Reseler) inspector initials are marked on the left stock flat. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes leather sling and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 54

Price Realized:

Lot 1480

Rock Island Arsenal M1903 Guiberson Periscope Trench Rifle

This is an extremely rare all original WWI era Guiberson Periscope Trench rifle fitted to an early 1909 dated Rock Island Arsenal Model 1903 bolt action rifle. At the onset of WWI the US Army and USMC infantry was plagued with fighting from the trenches in France. There were 2-3 trench type periscope rifles designed and patented, the most known was the Yazzi and the Cameron model that uses a standard M1903 fitted to a highly modified frame system, with a lower mechanically operated bolt with a large heavy side mounted trench periscope. Both were successful on a very limited basis with an estimate of less than 10 ever manufactured. This model was a completely different design in that it used a standard M1903 fitted to a completely and highly modified M1903 service rifle stock. The stock itself was almost completely hollowed out and was then attached to a heavy cast and machined aluminum frame that had a hinge just behind the lower barrel band. This allowed the stock to separate and open up behind the rear tang area. This design concept is somewhat similar to the aluminum bedding blocks installed in fiberglass bench stock today. This same model is shown in the book "The 1903 Springfield Rifle" by Bill Brophy on page 217-220 along with the two other noted Trench rifle designs. That example was written up in an article in magazine "The Man At Arms" in April 1917 by Capt. E.C. Crossman. It was fitted to a Springfield Arsenal M1903 while this example is actually fitted to a Rock Island Arsenal manufactured M1903. Obviously during the development the Ordnance Department wanted to make sure that if they approved this design, Rock Island Arsenal could be able to manufacture/adopt their rifles for this style stock. Since it was never approved we assume that these are the only "two" examples of this style trench rifle ever produced. The rifle itself was manufactured in 1909 RIA and the receiver has the standard five line markings over serial number "131036". The barrel is correctly marked "RIA/Ordnance shell and flame proof/5-09". It has the milled components and the bolt is later pattern Springfield Arsenal double heat treated bolt that is marked with a small "s" on the underside of the safety lug. The stock, as noted, has been highly modified, however, it still retains its original fingergrooves on the side along with a boxed "CN/1909" cartouche. It even includes the small reflecting mirror periscope as shown in the pictures and discussed in the article. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 30 06

Price Realized:

Rare King's Regiment of Foot Iron Mounted British "Pre-Brown Bess" Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

Lot 3306

Iron Mounted British Brown Bess Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

These are often called "Pre-Brown Bess" muskets. Though these muskets are very rare, a few are known, including the example at West Point, and another Pocock marked musket for the King's Regiment of Foot is featured on page 22 of "Red Coat and Brown Bess" by Anthony D. Darling and noted as a: "Long Land Service Musket made c. 1724 with original steel ramrod for regiments on the Irish Establishment. It is iron mounted with typical land pattern furniture. . .The barrel is marked Pocock C3 No 22. John Pocock was colonel of the 8th, or King's, Regiment from 1721 until his death in 1732. The butt tang is engraved MAJrs COMPy, indicating the Major's or third battalion company." This musket is marked "POCOCK C3 No 4" on the barrel and "MAJrs COMPy" on the buttplate tang indicating it was used by the same company. Colonel John Pocock fought during Queen Anne's wars and was promoted to colonel in 1707 and took over the regiment of Lord Strathnaver in 1710 and fought during the War of the Spanish Succession. He also took over Boron Hotham's Regiment of Foot in 1720 and led it as Pocock's Regiment of Foot in 1720-1721 before taking command of the King's Regiment of Foot. Years later, this regiment served in North America following the French & Indian War and into the American Revolution and fought in Canada and in the west before returning to England in 1785. Another 1720s musket with different regimental marking can be seen on page 58 of "The History of Weapons of the American Revolution" by George C. Neumann. That musket also has the iron forend tip band and an iron ramrod. These are the early 1718 pattern muskets with iron furniture rather than the brass fittings that later became standard. Much of the furniture is rather similar to the more common brass mounted Long Land muskets, but the ramrod pipes a simpler, and the trigger guard is a much different design with spire pointed finials. The buttplate finial tip and top of the wrist escutcheon also have small teats. In addition to the markings noted above the barrel has a stud front sight that doubles as the bayonet lug, ordnance proofs, and has been fitted with a notch rear sight on the upper tang. The bridle-less lock matches the barrel and is marked "WILSON/3/4" on the tail and has the Georgian cipher at the center and a heart shaped stamp on the interior. The forend has an iron band at the tip and the classic bulbous swell at the ramrod entry-point. There is wavy carving around the barrel tang, and the stock flats have raised tear drop flats. The buttstock is heavy and has a rounded "ogee" profile on the "handrail" comb and pronounced grooves that gives the wrist an elongated appearance. A leather sling is fitted to the sling swivels mounted through the forend and front of the trigger guard, and a socket bayonet is included. Geoge Moller's faint "GDM" collection mark is near the toe. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 78

Price Realized:

Incredibly Rare and Highly Desirable Documented Merrill, Latrobe & Thomas Breech Loading Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine Manufactured by Samuel Remington for U.S. Trials

Lot 215

Documented Merrill Latrobe & Thomas Samuel Remington Carbine

On July 26, 1855, the Chief of Ordnance ordered 170 of these rare breech loading percussion saddle ring carbines from the firm of James Merrill, Ferdinand C. Latrobe and Philip E. Thomas of Baltimore, Maryland, who contracted with Samuel Remington to complete the manufacturing. These carbines were purchased by the U.S. Ordnance Department and issued for field trials to the 5th Squadron of the 1st Regiment of Cavalry. It features a faucet breech mechanism with a manual rammer used to force the cartridge forward into the breech, and there is a hole in the bottom of the receiver for the sheared off end of a paper cartridge to fall out upon closing the breech. A U.S. patent (number 14,077) was granted to James H. Merrill on January 4, 1856, although he would have submitted it earlier. Merrill also had an identical British patent (number 2329) dated October 18, 1855. Flayderman's Guide (9B-079) states, "The fact that Samuel Remington was the manufacturer adds to the collector importance of this extreme rarity. Among the important mechanical features of this model was the rammer mounted in the rear section of the breech (within the stock wrist) used to push the combustible cartridge into the barrel. Another distinct detail is in the use of a Maynard primer." This exact carbine is photographed in Arms Heritage magazine volume 2, issue 5 article "Merrill, Latrobe and Thomas Carbines" by Edward Hull and Frank Harrington in which the plate 5 photograph caption states, "The contract type carbine has a .54 caliber barrel 21-3/16 long (measured down the barrel to the face of the cylinder). A ramrod is suspended below the barrel. The back action lock includes a Maynard primer mechanism. This sample is representative of the type but has a block rear sight, which may represent Col. Craig’s desire for a 'compact sight.' (George Moller collection and photo)." The other limited known surviving examples have a Sharps ladder rear sight as Colonel Craig originally requested, but he changed his mind a month later. "S. REMINGTON/ILION, NY" marked on the lock plate, "MERRILL, LATROBE & THOMAS/BALTIMORE, MD./PATENT APPLIED FOR" marked on top of the breech. Small serial number "80" marked on various components. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 54

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare U.S. Springfield .30 Caliber Experimental Trapdoor Rifle Letter "E"

Lot 246

U.S. Springfield .30 Caliber Experimental Trapdoor Trials Rifle

This is one of only an estimated fifteen .30 caliber Trapdoor rifles manufactured by Springfield Armory between 1890-1892 for the purpose of experimenting with various smokeless powders, testing velocities, studying ballistics, and performing pressure tests in the development of a new .30 caliber (30 Army) smokeless powder cartridge. Additional barrels for these rifles were manufactured with varying designs and steels. These rifles are extensively written up on pages 199-212 of the book "The 45-70 Springfield" by Frasca & Hill. The Chief of U.S. Ordnance directed Frankford Arsenal and Springfield Armory to work together in the development of a new rifle using a new small caliber smokeless powder cartridge. The test rifle chosen was the standard U.S. Springfield Trapdoor rifle, however the standard issue Trapdoor receiver of the time was deemed too weak to handle the higher pressures generated by smokeless powders. Springfield embarked on a massive redesign of the receiver to accommodate this development work. Testing of the smokeless .30 caliber Trapdoors started in 1890, and various ammunition and ballistics tests with at least ten of these rifles continued as late as 1895. These rifles were all considered as experimental models and went through numerous design and engineering changes to be able to accommodate the new improved high velocity smokeless powder cartridges, with each individual rifle in some instances being somewhat different. Since they were all experimental, they were never serial numbered, but instead were tracked by a small capital letter stamped on top of the rear of the barrel. The letters ran from "A through T", as mentioned in the 1894 Report of the Chief of Ordnance. This rifle is letter "E". On pg. 292 of Frasca's "The 45-70 Springfield Book II" it states (this rifle's existence was not known by the author at the time of writing), "The fate of Rifle 'E' is described in the following memo from the master armorer to the commanding officer of the Armory. Possibly this arm and other arms with similar damage were disassembled and discarded since the damage was not repairable: Commanding Officer/Sir: I have the honor to report that I have carefully examined the .30 caliber Springfield rifle received from Frankford Arsenal the 17th inst. The chamber of the barrel is swelled or enlarged 9/1000 of an inch. The hole for tenon of barrel is swell or enlarged 5/1000 of an inch, above standard plug. The receiver is cracked over the recess for ejector spring and the spread across the outside of ears for joint is 6/1000 of an inch. The barrel was marked letter 'E' August 2nd, 1892 or at the time the new receiver was put on same. Samuel W. Porter, Master Armorer." The unmarked receiver currently affixed appears to be the "new receiver"; as it does not have the aforementioned crack. The top breech end of the barrel is marked "E" and appears to be the replacement mentioned by Samuel Porter; as it does not have the damages described in his initial inspection when he first received the rifle. Features include a reinforced no-arch breechblock with the positive cam/locking latch, small tip firing pin, marked "E" on the breechblock screws, redesigned extractor intended for the new rimmed cartridge, the correct, reinforced straight sided receiver that measures 1 1/8 inch across the width of the receiver, with side walls, that measures approximately 1/4 inch thick on each side, with the matching positive cam/locking latch cutout, completely redesigned one-piece trigger guard with the long swivel on the upper front edge of the trigger guard bow, and new redesigned stock intended for the smaller diameter barrel. The bottom front end of the barrel is absent of what appears to have been a rod bayonet device. Pinned blade front and Buffington rear sight graduated to 1,400 yards. According to Frasca's book at the time of writing (not including this rifle in his count),"Nine of the original fifteen rifles are known today, four in museums and five in private collections." "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a Rock Island Arsenal leather sling, and tool inside the butt compartment. These rare rifles played an important role in the evolutionary development of the .30 caliber smokeless powder cartridge in U.S. Military service. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30 ARMY (30-40)

Price Realized:

Rare and Highly Desirable Documented Revolutionary War Era Royal Navy Contract Henry Nock First Type Flintlock Seven Barrel Volley Gun

Lot 1129

Henry Nock Royal Navy Flintlock Seven Barrel Volley Gun

Approximately 549 first type Nock seven-shot volley guns were delivered to the British Royal Navy during the Revolutionary War between c. 1779-1780, and approximately 106 more of the second type were delivered after the Revolution between c. 1784-1788. Though often referred to as the Nock Gun or Nock Volley Gun, these distinctive multi-barrel firearms were actually designed by James Wilson in 1779. Henry Nock has received most of the credit as he was contracted to manufacture the guns and thus his name is the one marked on the guns. Nock volley guns are described on pages 273-275 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume I" with this exact gun photographed on all three pages. The book states, "On July 28, 1779, James Wilson 'presented a new invented Gun with Seven barrels to fire at one time' to a British Ordnance board conducting firing trials of rifled arms... this arm underwent trials at Woolwich and was recommended for use as a weapon that could be fired from the 'round tops,' or crow's nests, to the decks of enemy ships at close range." At such distances, one of these guns would still hit a small area and do far more damage than a single shot from a musket, and a traditional blunderbuss would have had an immense spread at that range. The book continues, "The volley gun used in the trials, as well as two prototypes made by London gunmaker Henry Nock, were rifled. It was later found that rifling was not necessary, and all subsequent arms were made with smooth bores... Some are believed to have been aboard ships of Admiral Rodney's fleet when he engaged the French fleet of Admiral Count de Grasse in 1782." This engagement occurred during the Battle of the Saintes in the West Indies, April 9th–12th, 1782 during the American Revolution, and was considered a major naval victory that restored British naval dominance in the area and put an end to the French threat to nearby British possessions. The Nock volley guns were pulled from service in 1804 or 1805 due to safety concerns relating to their excessive recoil that reportedly injured sailors, including breaking shoulders, and risks of alighting the rigging and sails. Their menacing look has earned them roles in movie and television history including scenes from The Alamo, Sharpe, Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World, Turn: Washington's Spies, and more. This example is the first type smoothbore variant, and has six barrels fitted around a central barrel. The barrels have Tower proofs, and the right barrel has "H. NOCK" (very faint) at the breech. The concave rib between the upper two barrels has a blade front sight, and the standing breech is grooved to act as a rear sight. The "Queen Anne" style lock is marked with "TOWER" (very faint) and the Georgian cipher on the tail, and "6/HN" is marked inside the lock. Brass trigger guard, side plate and buttplate. "G3091" marked on the buttplate tang. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 52

Price Realized:

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

Lot 198

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

Price Realized:

Rare Documented Confederate Palmetto Armory Model 1841 Percussion “Mississippi” Rifle

Lot 1201

Confederate Palmetto Armory 1841 Percussion "Mississippi" Rifle

Approximately 1,000 Palmetto Armory Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifles were made for the South Carolina militia and many saw hard use during the Civil War. These are considered a secondary Confederate weapon. In February 1865, General Sherman's forces destroyed 500 of these in storage at the armory, contributing to their low survival rate today. Palmetto Armory Model 1841 rifles are described in depth on pages 123-127 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III", with this exact rifle photographed on page 124 and at the top of page 126. Features a socket bayonet lug on top of the barrel towards the muzzle, brass blade front sight, and fixed V notch rear sight. "COLUMBIA/S.C. 1852" is vertically marked at the tail of the lock, and "PALMETTO ARMORY/S*C" in a circle around the palm tree is marked at the center of the lock. The barrel near the breech has a visible "V" above the Palmetto emblem, and "Wm GLAZE & CO." marked on the left flat. "SC" marked on the buttplate tang. Brass-tipped ramrod, brass barrel bands, trigger guard, patch box, and buttplate. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes leather sling and tools inside the patch box. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 54

Price Realized:

Lot 3136

Harpers Ferry Model 1835 Prototype Flintlock Musket

This is an exceptional example of an incredibly rare prototype Harpers Ferry Model 1835 flintlock musket, the predecessor to the Model 1840 flintlock musket. Page 487 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume II" states, "In November 1833 a musket similar in configuration to the French Model 1822 musket was selected as the basis for a proposed new musket. On November 13, 1833, the Board ordered twenty-four model muskets to be made at the national armories. These muskets were made at Harpers Ferry and were stamped on their barrels, 'Model 1835,' and on all other parts, 'U.S.M.' [possibly stands for U.S. Model] or just 'M.'... As late as 1839 it appears to have been the Ordnance Board's intent to designate the new [adopted primary issue] musket the 'Model of 1835.' However, a letter of January 22, 1840 from Chief of Ordnance Colonel Bumford to James Robb, superintendent of Springfield Armory, relayed a number of changes in the new musket. These changes had been approved by the Ordnance Board..." These recommended changes included elimination of the distinctive finger grooves seen behind the trigger guard of this example, lengthening the buttstock .7 inches, shortening the barrel .68 inches to make it an even 42 inches, changing the configuration of the ramrod, making the small lock screws only two sizes, and giving the tang and sidescrews the same size and thread. Once modified based on said recommendations, the Model 1840 would be officially adopted. Of interesting note, only Springfield would take up manufacturing of the Model 1840, while Harpers Ferry would continue to manufacture the Model 1816 until 1844, when the Model 1842 percussion musket was introduced into production. Starting behind the middle band, the forward part of the forestock has a dark appearance with a light protected wood grain beneath the front and middle bands, which is characteristic of fire exposure at Harpers Ferry Arsenal from which this musket would have been on a storage rack and rescued. Upon inspection, one can infer that this musket was likely on a gun rack facing a wall and only received indirect exposure on the upper portion. The left breech end of the barrel is “V/P/eagle head" proofed along with “No/10”, and "MODEL 1835" is marked at the top middle of the breech and tang. The lock is marked "HARPERS/FERRY/1835" at the rear, and "USM" above a shielded eagle over "US" at center. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes US socket bayonet, leather sling, and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 447

Vickers-Armstrong Pedersen Carbine Serial Number 1

This is an exceptional example of a extremely rare John D. Pedersen designed, first production self-loading carbine as manufactured by Vickers-Armstrong Ltd. circa 1930. In 1923, the U.S. Ordnance Department had hired Pedersen to design a semi-automatic rifle as a replacement for the Model 1903 and Model 1917 rifles. His concept was that semi-automatic rifles and carbines should be lighter and easier to carry, shooting a cartridge with less recoil. He used this same theory in developing the original semi-automatic Pedersen device for the Model 1903 rifles towards the end of WWI. The first Pedersen self-loading rifles were chambered in the lighter .276 cartridge which was approved for testing in 1924. In 1927, Springfield Armory manufactured twenty Pedersen rifles for initial field testing, which was to run concurrently with the .276 caliber semi-automatic rifle developed by John C. Garand. The Pedersen rifle performed well in the initial service tests, and in 1929/30, Pedersen contracted with Vickers-Armstrong (of England) to manufacture approximately 200 of the Pedersen self-loading rifles and an estimated 50 carbines for use in the final U.S. tests, as well as being tested by the British military. Although both passed, in 1932, the army selected the Garand design in .30-06 for limited procurement, and shortly after ended all further development of the Pedersen rifle. After the army discontinued its pursuit of the Pedersen rifle, they were able to sell a limited number of rifles to China, Portugal, and Japan, who were also attempting to develop a self-loading rifle, possibly with his delayed-blow back toggle mechanism. These rifles and carbines all have several distinctive features such as a 10 round en-bloc clips, a fine adjustable 1/2 minute rear sight, barrel with spiral cooling fins, perforated metal hand guard, and sliding bar safety in the bolt. They were all chambered in the early rimless .276 bottleneck Pederson cartridge. The left side of the receiver is roll-stamped in two lines: "PEDERSEN AUTOLOADER P.B./VICKERS-ARMSTRONGS LTD." The right rear side of the receiver is stamped with only serial number "1". The top of the sliding bar safety is marked "REDY" on the left side and "SAFE" on the right side. There is a faint Birmingham nitro proofmark (used until 1925) stamped on the left rear edge of the receiver. Includes an original Pedersen en-bloc magazine containing 10 original cartridges, and one box (20 rds) of original Frankfort Arsenal manufactured .276 cartridges. Additionally this carbine comes with an original leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 276

Price Realized:

Incredibly Rare and Historically Significant Documented Ellis-Jennings Four-Shot Sliding Lock Repeating Flintlock Rifle

Lot 1139

Ellis-Jennings Four-Shot Flintlock Rifle

These rare repeating rifles are among the rarest and most fascinating U.S. martial arms. Very, very few of these rifles are known today, and they are almost never available to the public. This rifle is pictured on pages 457-459 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period" by George Moller and has his discreet "GDM" collection mark near the toe. As explained in Moller's book, these rifles were based on Isaiah Jennings' September 2, 1821, patented improvement of Joseph Belton's earlier repeating system and were manufactured under contract with the federal government through Reuben Ellis of New York by Robert and J. D. Johnson of Middletown, Connecticut, for issue to the New York militia. They were inspected by U.S. Ordnance inspectors and delivered to the New York Commissary General in three batches: 200 on June 30, 1829, 160 on September 21, 1829, and 161 on October 22, 1829. The 521 rifles cost $13,090, a very significant amount for the period. Each of these rifles cost around 2 1/2 times what the government paid for earlier contract rifles. The State of New York legislature authorized the acceptance of these rifles in lieu of one-half of their annual federal allotment of muskets from the Ordnance Department. The pivoting vent covers also serve to stop the lock in the proper position for each shot. When the lock is cocked, a link to the priming magazine tilts the primer and fills the pan and the screw on the link into the magazine hits the frizzen pulling it closed. After the shot, the next vent cover is then manually flipped up, and the lock can be pulled to the next position and cocked again in one motion. While some Jennings are known with more than four shots such as the 10-shot rifle at the Cody Firearms Museum, those produced under contract were the 4-shot variety. This design would have allowed for much more rapid fire for four shots before the shooter would then need to reload. Given that slow reloading was the main disadvantage of rifles before the advent of the Minie ball, this system would have been a real improvement for the first four shots, particularly in an encounter that might depend on engaging multiple foes in quick succession. However, the rifle would have taken considerably more time to reload between the 4th and 5th shots compared to a regular rifle if the shooter wanted to start with four more shots, but, when in a rush, the rifleman certainly could have just loaded a single shot again. Unlike most contract arms of the period, there are no markings for the contractors on the lock which is basically the same as the pistol locks used by Simeon North on the 1826 U.S. contract pistols but with the jaw connected to the primer magazine with a link and the lock fitted to a mount in the sliding track rather than into the side of the stock. Many of the components have small "4" assembly marks, and the sliding mount is marked "D3." The barrel has the same rifling and blade and notch sights as the Model 1817, and the furniture is also the same as that model with the exception of the lack of a sideplate since the lock is not fitted through the stock. The barrel is numbered "445" on the left side at the breech and is marked "US/JM/P" indicating inspection by Justin Murphy, and the left stock flat also has his oval "JM" cartouche. "N. THAYER." is marked upside down on the stock in the slot for the lock track. Moller noted this is common on these rifles, and the example at the Institute of Military Technology is marked with just "NT" in the same spot; however, nothing is currently documented on his identity. It is likely that N. Thayer was the stockmaker. While we could not confirm a connection, there was a Nathaniel Thayer operating a joiner shop in Burlington, Vermont, at the time, and a complex stock like this would have benefited from the skills of an advanced woodworker. The patch box contains a "U" shaped turn-screw, ball puller, worm, and vent pick. A normal iron ramrod with brass tip is fitted beneath the barrel, and the rifle has been fitted with a later black leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 54

Price Realized:

Lot 1157

Documented U.S. Trials Jenks Breech Loading Flintlock Musketoon

This is an incredibly rare example of a Jenks breech loading musketoon, manufactured by Chicopee Falls Co. of Massachusetts c. 1839-1840. Invented by William Jenks, U.S. patent number 747 dated May 25th, 1838. Only a few known surviving examples are left today of the reported 100 made on contract for the U.S. Ordnance Department, and another 250 ordered by the Republic of Texas. None of the Texas ordered examples have been identified. Of the 100 U.S. Ordnance musketoons, 25 were sent to the 1st Dragoons for shooting trials, and 25 to the 2nd Dragoons for field trials during the Second Seminole War in Florida where they were exposed to harsh conditions; contributing to their extreme scarcity today. Besides the Hall, the Jenks musketoon is the only other breech loading flintlock arm procured by the federal government. Jenks breech loading musketoons are described on pages 482-486 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume II", with this exact musketoon photographed on three pages. The top of the breech is marked "1839/WM JENKS/US/NWP/P" and the lock is marked "CHICOPEE FALLS CO./MS." Serial number "32" is marked underneath the breech lever and on top of the breech rod. The left stock flat has a faint illegible circled script cartouche that should read "NWP" (Nahum W. Patch), and on top of the comb a faint illegible circled script cartouche that should read "MPL" (Mann Paige Lomax). "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 64

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare, Documented, Only Known Prototype Merrill, Latrobe & Thomas Percussion Breech Loading Conversion of a Harper's Ferry Musket

Lot 3144

Prototype Merrill, Latrobe, & Thomas Breech Loading Conversion

This breech loading conversion of a Harpers Ferry musket uses a faucet breech mechanism with a manual rammer used to force the cartridge forward into the breech, as patented by James H. Merrill in 1856 (patent number 14,077). There is a hole in the bottom of the receiver for the sheared off end of a paper cartridge to fall out upon closing the breech. Attempts were made to interest the U.S. Ordnance department in this breech loading design by the firm of James Merrill, Ferdinand C. Latrobe and Philip E. Thomas, located in Baltimore, Maryland. Due to not having their own sufficient manufacturing capabilities, the firm contracted with Samuel Remington c. 1855 to manufacture approximately 170 carbines for U.S. trials, as mentioned in Flayderman's Guide (9B-079), with barely any of the carbines known to exist today and considered extremely desirable on the collector's market. The Merrill, Latrobe & Thomas firm would last only three years before this design was ultimately deemed a failure, with James Merrill continuing on to achieve success with his more well-known Civil War issued Merrill breech loading carbines and rifles based on his 1858 and 1861 patents. This exact conversion musket is photographed in Arms Heritage magazine volume 2, issue 5 article "Merrill, Latrobe and Thomas Carbines" by Frank Harrington and Edward Hull in which the plate 18 photograph caption states, "One .69 caliber musket is known with a Merrill, Latrobe & Thomas breech added." The existence of this Harpers Ferry conversion musket serves as possible proof of an early attempt to interest the government in modernizing their outdated leftover muzzle loading muskets then in Armory storage, although the subsequent improved Merrill design would be chosen in favor over this design for conversion of 300 muskets for trials. The middle of the lock retains very faint traces of what would have been an "eagle/US" mark, and the rear of the lock is marked "HARPERS/FERRY/1828" (partial 8, could be a 9). The middle barrel band is marked on the right with an "E" and "1". The buttplate tang is marked "US" and "1". "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes leather sling and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Desirable U.S. Martially Inspected Civil War Four Screw Frame Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver with Shoulder Stock

Lot 3154

U.S. Inspected Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver with Shoulder Stock

The Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver was the primary handgun of the Union Army, especially the Union Cavalry, during the Civil War and remained one of the primary U.S. martial sidearms until the adoption of the Colt Single Action Army in the mid-1870s. Like Colt's other percussion revolvers, they were well-regarded thanks to their reliability and consistent high quality. Nearly all of the U.S. contract Model 1860 Army revolvers show signs of hard use in the Civil War and beyond, and this is especially true for revolvers from earlier in production like this one given they were rushed into service and issued to Union cavalrymen eager for arms early in the war. However, this revolver retains significant original finish and is also a rare government inspected "four-screw" variation complete with a correct shoulder stock. It was manufactured in 1861 under contract with the U.S. government. While most of the Model 1860 Army revolvers manufactured during the Civil War were purchased by the government for the Union war effort, comparably few with the "four-screw frame" (actually five screws) were purchased. The additional projecting screws between the trigger and the hammer screw help secure the shoulder stock, but later Model 1860s did away with the extra screws and simply used the notches in the recoil shield and heel for mounting. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-." The left side of the frame has the "COLTS/PATENT" marking. The cylinder has the standard Naval Battle of Campeche roll-scene and "COLT'S PATENT" marking. Matching serial numbers are marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The grip is properly numbered with "2484" in black ink in the back strap mortise. The wedge and arbor pin have been renumbered to match, and the cylinder is serial number "13358". Small "A" and/or "T" sub-inspector marks are stamped on most components. Ordnance inspector John Taylor's "JT" cartouche is stamped on the left side of the grip. The shoulder stock is designed to fit the "four-screw frame" and has a screw adjustable steel hook and brass furniture. "22570" is marked on and just behind the hook on the lower tang as well as on the heel of the buttplate, and "11" is marked just behind the steel lanyard ring on the lower tang. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Historic Documented Special Order Engraved Officers Style U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle Inscribed to William Passmore Carlin, Decorated Combat Veteran of the Civil War and Indian Wars, with Letters of Correspondence and Bayonet

Lot 3217

Engraved 1873 Trapdoor Rifle Inscribed to Colonel W. P. Carlin

This is an attractive one-of-a-kind unserialized early Model 1873 Trapdoor rifle made to the highest order of workmanship by Springfield Armory on special order for a highly decorated combat veteran of various conflicts who held more high ranking titles than almost any individual in history, William Passmore Carlin (November 23, 1829-October 4, 1903). This rifle features attractive bordered floral scroll engraving on the barrel bands, lock, hammer, trigger guard, lower tang, breech block, top of the receiver, and on the attractive silver plated brass American long rifle curved buttplate. The buttplate tang is inscribed in fancy script "Col. W. P. Carlin". Included copies of period hand-written correspondence accompany this rifle in which a March 10th, 1875 dated letter addressed from William P. Carlin while stationed at Fort Abraham Lincoln to Chief of Ordnance Brigadier General Stephen V. Benét states, "General: I have the honor to request that you will cause to be manufactured at Springfield Armory, a Hunting Rifle, for me, which shall be of the new pattern issued to the Troops, Calibre .45 in, full stock of Maple, Silver fore sight, with all the implements for taking to pieces, cleaning, carrying & c. [illegible] with a belt for cartridges holding about 70 cartridges. Please have my name inscribed on the buttplate or counterplate." In another included copy of correspondence, a June 18, 1875 dated hand-written letter from Colonel James G. Benton states, "The following articles were sold and issued from this Armory, to Col. Carlin, on May 20/75... 1 Springfield Sporting Rifle Cal .45 $33.25, 1 Combination Screwdriver .17, Total Cost $33.40" William Passmore Carlin, a West Point graduate of 1850, spent the next ten years fighting the Plains Indians before the breakout of the Civil War. He was commissioned by the Governor of Illinois, Richard Yates, as Colonel and First Commander of the new 38th Illinois Infantry on August 5, 1861. In November 1861 he commanded the Southeastern Missouri District until early spring 1862 when he was assigned to command a brigade of infantry he led into the Siege of Corinth, Mississippi, in May 1862. He received multiple awards for bravery for leading a successful charge at the October 8, 1862 Battle of Perryville. On November 29, 1862, he was promoted to Brigadier General in the Union Army. In fall of 1863, he fought in the Battles for Chattanooga. In February 1864 he was engaged in the Atlanta campaign as major of the 16th U.S. Infantry. He was promoted to divisional command before the Battle of Jonesboro on September 1, 1864, received appointments to Major General in both the volunteer Union Army and the Regular Army at the end of the Civil War. From 1867-1868, he served as Assistant Commissioner of the Tennessee Freedman's Bureau, then returned to various commands and wore numerous hats and titles; relocating to different states every few months during Reconstruction, and frontier duty in the American Indian Wars. While stationed as Lieutenant Colonel of the 17th Infantry at Fort Abraham Lincoln in North Dakota, he was engaged in fending off multiple Indian attacks on the fort between October of 1872 to July of 1875. During his time stationed at Fort Abraham Lincoln he would have received this special order rifle on May 20th, 1875, as stated in the period letters of correspondence, which is a very strong indication this is the exact rifle he carried during the aforementioned Indian attacks! While on base, it was not uncommon for a rifle such as this to have also been used for hunting large game, including buffalo. He would continue his military service in command at Fort Wadsworth in Marshall County, South Dakota from July to October 1875, then as a member of the Retiring Board in Washington, D.C. from October 1875 to August 1876, then in command at Standing Rock Agency in North Dakota from August 1876 to August 1878, then in command at Fort Yates in North Dakota from May 1879 until 1881, and then at Columbus Barracks in Ohio until May 1882. In 1892, while in command of detachments of 4th, 14th, and 22nd Infantry, they were involved in containing the riots in the Coeur d'Alene mining region, in which striking miners attacked the mines and engaged in armed conflict with hired guards, during which a mill was dynamited. Martial law was declared and order was restored by state and federal troops. William Passmore would officially retire in 1893 as U.S. Army Brigadier General. Blade front and 1,100 yard ladder rear sight. "V/P/eagle head" proofs on the left of the breech end of the barrel. Marked "MODEL/1873/eagle/arrows/ U.S." marked high arch breechblock. Tuned two click tumbler lock and single set smooth trigger. Full length high grade maple stock with a checkered wrist and no proof marks or inspector cartouches. Equipped with ramrod, two barrel bands and sling swivels. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes leather sling marked "C.S. STORM/MAKER/NEW YORK CITY", US socket bayonet, scabbard, US leather frog, and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70 Government

Price Realized:

Lot 3239

Springfield Armory Model 1882 Experimental Trapdoor Short Rifle

This is one of 52 total manufactured Springfield Model 1882 Trapdoor "Short Rifles" with a 28 inch barrel found in the 197000-199000 serial range and used heavily in field trials with the intent of developing a single rifle configuration that could be adopted by both the infantry and the calvary. Of the 52, half were manufactured with the traditional, "3-groove" rifling with the other half manufactured with a new "6-groove" rifling system; of these, half were to be equipped with the new experimental 1880, "triangular-sliding" bayonet with the other half made with the ram-rod bayonet system. This example has the desirable "6-groove" rifling and the rare 1880 triangular bayonet. These rifles are discussed on pages 130-135 of the book "The 45-70 Springfield" by Frasca & Hill, as well as on pages 103-109 of "Trapdoor Springfield" by M.D. Waite and B.D. Ernst. These rifles feature experimental curved front and rear sling swivels made to lie closely against the stock in order to facilitate easy entry into a cavalry rifle scabbard, friction fit low-arch wide breech block that is able to be retained at any position between fully opened and closed, smooth trigger, 1,300 yard rear sight marked "28/B" with a tangent curve that comes to a sharp point and a locking screw on the slide, heavier barrel with a larger muzzle diameter (approximately .780), and a long wrist stock with short comb. "SWP/1882" cartouche on the left of the stock. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes Rock Island Arsenal leather sling and wood tampion. Only a handful of these Model 1882 Trapdoor "Short Rifles" still exist today, as very few actually survived the tests with almost all likely cannibalized or destroyed after the testing was completed. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70 Government

Price Realized:

Rare Early Gas Trap M1 Garand Semi-Automatic Rifle with M1905 Bayonet and Scabbard

Lot 3538

M1 Gas Trap M1 Garand Rifle

This is a scarce example of a Gas Trap M1 Garand rifle as manufactured by the Springfield Armory c. April 1940. This rifle is a late Gas Trap Variant M1 that retains all of its original configuration parts. The receiver heel is roll-stamped: "U.S. RIFLE/CAL. .30 M1/SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/36832" and it retains its original "unmodified" low rib on the right side of the receiver. The right side under the stock line is stamped with the steel lot code "K REP" above the drawing number "D28291-1". The rifle has the correct second pattern, stainless steel, gas cylinder that lacks the lightning cuts found on the first gas cylinders with a late pattern gas plug that lacks the lightning cut on the front. The top of the barrel ring on the gas cylinder is correctly stamped "D28289-1" and it has the third pattern front sight with the flared wings with sun-deflecting serrations along the back side. It is fitted with the correct milled upper and lower barrel bands with the center groove and both without any drawing number on the side. The rear sight cover is marked "B8872", and the aperture is unmarked. The edges of the windage and elevation knobs are checkered. The bolt is marked "D28287/-1". The early unmodified "straight/curved" operating rod is marked with the drawing number "D35382-1 SA" and it is fitted with the correct two square cut, keystone recoil springs. The right side of the correct style barrel is stamped with a single capital "W" proof mark followed by a single punch marked "P" proof with no date or "SA" markings. The early, "long tail" follower is unmarked on the bottom. The operating rod catch is parkerized and marked with a single "0" on the back side. The bullet guide is correctly marked "B8875 SA". The follower arm and follower rod are not marked. The milled trigger guard is marked "C-46025-1SA". The trigger housing is correctly marked "B 28290 SA" and it has the early style large pad used on early product rifles. The flat top safety is marked "C-46015-4SA", and the hammer is correctly marked "C46008-1 SA" on the side. The hammer spring tube is parkerized. It is fitted with the short throat second pattern gas-trap pattern walnut buttstock with the two equal holes in the butt which with a "No-Trap" coarse checkered steel buttplate. The buttplate has no drawing number on the inside. The front of the stock is fitted with the correct third pattern milled stock ferrule with no drawing number and the front hand guard is fitted with the correct first pattern front ferrule with the extended lip. The stock has restamped with a boxed "SA/SPG" final inspection mark on the left side and an original albeit faint block "P" proof mark behind the trigger guard. It is complete with a late M1905 bayonet marked "SA/1919" and a WWII green plastic scabbard. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 30-06

Price Realized:

Lot 1181

Colt Model 1855 Percussion Revolving Military Pattern Rifle-Musk

Only around 500 of the Model 1855 rifle-muskets were manufactured in .56 caliber with 31 5/16 barrels out of 9,310 military rifles manufactured in 1856-1864. It has a front sight that also acts as a bayonet lug for the included "US" and "B447" marked socket bayonet, two barrel bands, three leaf rear sight graduated for 100, 300 and 600 yards, sling swivels on the rear band and buttstock holding a black leather sling, "COL. COLT HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in the top strap groove, "PATENTED SEPT. 10th 1850" in one cylinder flute, "COLT'S PATENT/+/Nov. 24th 1857" on the left side of the frame, matching visible serial numbers on the underside of the frame, lower tang and buttplate, and smooth stock and forearm with cleaning rod under the barrel and in the stock compartment. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. The bayonet comes with a leather scabbard and hanger. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 56

Price Realized:

Exceptional Civil War U.S. Spencer Model 1860 Army Repeating Rifle with Bayonet

Lot 3160

Civil War U.S. Spencer 1860 Army Repeating Rifle with Bayonet

11,470 of these innovative rifles were manufactured for the U.S. government in 1863 and 1864 within primarily the 700-11000 serial number range. Rifles of this model were with Colonel Wilder's "Lightning Brigade" at Hoover's Gap and General Custer's Michigan "Wolverines" at Gettysburg. It has a brass blade front sight that doubles as a bayonet lug, six-groove rifling, three barrel bands, an 800 yard folding ladder rear sight, the three-line Spencer address and patent marking on the top at the breech, and smooth buttstock with the standard 7-round tubular magazine inserted through the buttplate. Left side of the barrel at the breech marked with inspector initials "M". Left side behind the stock screw is marked with circled script inspector cartouche "MMJ" (Martin M. Johnson) and "DAP" (Dwight A. Perkins). Ahead of the buttplate marked with small inspector initials "D.A.P.", and "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes leather sling, socket bayonet, leather scabbard marked on the frog "R. NECE/PHILAD." and "A.D. LAIDLEY/U.S./ORD.DEPT/SUB INSPECTOR", and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 52 RF

Price Realized:

Incredibly Rare James II Era 17th Century Robert Brooke English Flintlock Cavalry Carbine with Plug Bayonet

Lot 133

James II Era R. Brooke Flintlock Carbine with Plug Bayonet

This carbine was manufactured during the short and tumultuous reign of James II of England (1685-1688) and has his "J2R" cipher at the center of the "banana" profile lock and "BROOKE" signed in a banner at the tail. The bridleless lock is secured by three screws and has ".T" on the inside. A few of these early flintlock carbines by Brooke are estimated as from c. 1685 in the Royal Armouries' collections, and another is shown in Figure 4 of "The British Royal Cypher-1660 to Present CRII-ERII" by Peter Stuyvesant Wainwright in the American Society of Arms Collectors Bulletin from 1996. Robert Brooke was an Ordnance contractor in 1661-1689 and was a known manufacturer of these rare carbines. Martial carbines from the era in general were limited. Some of these carbines are believed to have been used in the North American colonies. It has a smoothbore, three-stage barrel with slight muzzle flare, rounded blade front sight, slight band at the first transition, a "crown/IR" stamp and "crown/flower" proof marks on the top flat at the breech, another proof on the tang, and Brooke's "coronet/RB" maker's mark on the upper left at the breech. It has nicely shaped brass ramrod thimbles, a sheet iron trigger guard, and simple sheet brass buttplate. The stock shows a bit of a transitional appearance between the rounded wheellock carbine style butts and the flatter later carbines and muskets and has a storekeeper mark on the right. The trigger is noticeably thicker than is usually scene on guns from the era, but this is consistent with other Brooke carbines. The small plug bayonet has an 11 inch trefoil blade and a black leather scabbard. James II (James VII in Scotland) was the last Catholic monarch of England, Scotland, and Ireland and was removed from power in the famous "Glorious Revolution of 1688" (or Bloodless Revolution). His efforts to rule as an absolute monarch in defiance of Parliament combined with his Catholicism and friendly relations with the "Sun King" Louis XIV of France, England's historic rival, certainly did not help matters, but the birth of his son, James Francis Edward Stuart, in 1688 really brought tensions to a head since it established a Catholic heir and thus a potential Catholic line to the throne into the future. Prince William of Orange, the husband of James II's protestant daughter Mary, was "invited" to invade and take the throne as William III. With his landing, James II's army largely deserted him, and he fled to France but did not abdicate the throne. Ruling together, William and Mary famously signed the English Bill of Rights in 1689 that guaranteed more freedom and power in Parliament, rules for the line of succession to guarantee Protestants remained on the throne, and individual liberties, such as the right to bear arms for self-defense (for Protestants) and freedom from cruel and unusual punishment. The trampling, or perceived trampling, of rights guaranteed in 1689 were in part the origins of the American Revolution, and the U.S. Bill of Rights has clear echoes of the English Bill of Rights, including the Second Amendment right to bear arms. James II attempted to recover the throne in 1689 and landed in Ireland with French support while the Jacobites in Scotland were in revolt on his behalf, but his forces were defeated at the Battle of the Boyne in northeastern Ireland, and he was forced again to return to France were he was under Louis XIV's protection until his death in 1701. The French king recognized his son as James III. However, Anne, James II's other Protestant daughter, became queen of Great Britain and Ireland in 1707 upon William III's death and reigned until her death in 1714 when George I of the House of Hanover became king marking the beginning of the Georgian era. Supporters of the would be James III (James VIII in Scotland) led another Jacobite uprising in Scotland in 1715, and his son, "Bonnie Prince Charlie," led a final rising in 1745 with French support that even invaded England before being crushed at the Battle of Culloden. With the Jacobite army defeated and George II secure on the throne, the era of the Stuart's was over. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Late 16th Century/Early 17th Century European Suit of Armor

Lot 1108

Late 16th Century European Suit of Armor

Most of the components of this suit of field armor appear to be circa late 16th century Italian with German/French influences. The edges of the helmet and most of the armor components have rolled and slightly roped borders. The close helmet is nearly identical to two different examples referenced out of the Allen Antiques collection, viewable online, that are both mentioned as being 1580 dated Italian, and features a one-piece skull, pointed visor with eye slit divide at the center and pointed lifting peg on the right, upper and lower bevors both secured by hooks, and breath holes on the right of the upper bevor. Breastplate with central crease which droops to form a peascod at the waist, marked "G" on the lower right and "P" on the lower left, and large yellow letters "P. 4." painted inside. Fingered gauntlets, bear-paw feet. Period replaced leather. Mounted on a stained wooden base. Stands 6 foot 3 inches tall with the base, and the suit with helmet mounted stand at just under 5 foot 6 inches tall from bottom of foot to top of helmet. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Price Realized:

Incredibly Rare Documented Merrill Alteration Breech Loading Springfield Model 1847 Percussion Rifled Cavalry Musketoon

Lot 199

Documented Merrill Alteration Springfield 1847 Cavalry Musketoon

Reportedly, 100 each of the Model 1847 cavalry musketoons, Model 1842 muskets, and Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifles were converted using James H. Merrill's breech loading system c. 1861-1862, with the Model 1847 musketoons nearly non-existent on the collectors market today. These Merrill breech loading alterations of the Model 1847 cavalry musketoons are described on pages 232-233 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III", with this exact musketoon photographed on both pages. The alteration was performed by replacing the barrel tang with the Merrill breech system as well as adding the lever catch to the barrel, adding an additional screw in the lock plate for added strength, installing a clean out screw on the bolster. This rare Merrill alteration is not to be confused with the much more common Merrill manufactured carbines and rifles also used by the Union during the war effort. According to Moller's book, "The Ordnance Department accepted 98 Merrill-altered musketoons. The two remaining musketoons were condemned as being 'spoiled in alteration.'" The barrel appears to have been rifled prior to the Merrill alteration. Unlike the Model 1842 muskets which were widely rifled, only a small number of the musketoons were rifled and fitted with a 500 yard three-leaf rear sight (mounted backwards as noted in Moller's book). The front sight is an integral blade on the front barrel band. The barrel is marked with the "V/P/eagle head" proof on the left near the breech. The Springfield lock plate is dated 1851 and has the standard markings. The breech mechanism is marked with the Merrill address and patent information in three lines. Fitted with a smooth straight grip stock secured by three sets of barrel bands, sling swivels on the middle band and front of the trigger guard, and tulip head ramrod with the rare sleeved chain device for retention of the ramrod. Flayderman's Guide states, "Although these chain devices were supposed to replace the swivels, it has been the author's experience in seeing quite a few specimens over the years that almost no chain devices survived and hence are more rare intact than the swivels." Marked with a boxed script "JF" inspection cartouche on the left stock flat. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 128

William III Period Flintlock Musket with Plug Bayonet

English flintlock muskets from the reign of King William III (r. 1689-1702, also known was William of Orange) very rarely come for sale on either side of the "pond." This musket is even scarcer in that it is pictured and discussed on pages 52-53 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George D. Moller and has his discreet "GDM" collection marking by the toe. Moller lists it as manufactured in the 1690s. While most English muskets from William's reign still had back/dog catches, this musket is part of a group that did not. The lightly rounded lock plate has a fairly straight profile, terminates in a pointed teat, and is the distinctive WR cipher of William III. The lock is bridleless and is secured by three screws passing through the lock without the use of a side plate or washers. The barrel has a rounded blade front sight, simple incised band at the transition point, Ordnance markings at the breech, and a deeper "RC" mark on the upper right flat slightly ahead of the vent. The stock has simple sheet brass ramrod pips, no entry pipe, a simple iron trigger guard, and a brass buttplate on the rounded butt. A wooden ramrod and a plug bayonet with a 18 1/4 inch blade with 6 1/2 inch false edge and wood handle with a hanging staple are included. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 75

Price Realized:

Documented Historic 17th Century Dunster Armoury British Doglock Musket

Lot 135

Documented 17th Century British Doglock Musket

This musket is featured on pages 48 and 49 of George Moller's "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" and has his small "GDM" collection mark twice by the toe. He dated it to c. 1650-1670 and indicated the "FL" markings on the barrel and stock are for Colonel Francis Luttrell, the owner of Dunster Castle in Somerset. He notes that the initial may have been added sometime in the 1681-1689 period that Luttrell was colonel of the local militia regiment and then King James's forces at Exeter. The castle was owned by the Luttrell family dating back to 1376. In 1643, after the start of the English Civil War under the leadership of Thomas Luttrell, the castle was surrendered to overwhelming Royalist forces under the command of the Marquess of Hertford who established a garrison there. In 1645, Colonel Francis Wyndham surrendered the castle to the Roundhead Army. A Parliamentarian garrison remained there until 1651 when the castle was returned to the Luttrell family. In 1665, the Duke of Monmouth led a protestant revolt against James II, and Colonel Francis Luttrell formed a militia to repel the invasion; however, his men were untrained and lacking the will to fight threw down their weapons and fled. By 1688, his loyalty to the despotic King James declined, and he supported William of Orange. He raised the regiment that became known as The Green Howards'. It's believed that probably at this time muskets from the armory were branded with the initials FL (Francis Luttrell). It was a common practice of armories to confirm ownership and ensure their return. The armory was not large, and the number of muskets is estimated to have been only 30 to 60. Very few of them survive aside from a few that remained in the castle. The two-stage, smoothbore barrel has a post front sight, two girdles at the transition point, the "FL" marking and a "crown/G" on top at the breech, and a grooved rear sight. The lock has a removable pan and the distinctive catch of the doglocks. The frizzen and tail of the lock have sculpted accents. The furniture is simple and consists of a single sheet iron ramrod ferrule and trigger guard secured by a screw up to the barrel tang at the front and a nail at the rear. Both sides of the butt have the "FL" stamps. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 78

Price Realized:

Rare Early Production First Type Two Digit Serial Number 92 U.S. Springfield Model 1892 Krag-Jorgensen Bolt Action Rifle with Solid Band, Brass Tip Cleaning Rod and Bayonet

Lot 247

Two Digit Solid Band U.S. Springfield 1892 Krag-Jorgensen Rifle

The Krag-Jorgensen bolt action was invented by Captain Ole Krag and Erik Jorgensen of Norway around 1886, and variations were adopted by Norway, the Danish, and of course the United States. Though named Model 1892 based on the year the design was officially adopted as the U.S. Army's primary issue rifle after extensive trials, the first Springfield Armory Krag-Jorgensen rifles were not manufactured until 1894 due to protests over the selection of a foreign design, and a second trial of smokeless powder magazine rifles of American design was held, none of which were considered superior to the Krag at the time. The Krag-Jorgensen became the first standard U.S. infantry arm chambered for a smokeless cartridge. American soldiers used the Krag-Jorgensen primarily in the Spanish-American War, the subsequent Filipino Insurrection, and some remained in use into World War I. As noted in "The Krag Rifle Story" by Mallory and Olson, several of the earliest rifles were given to the governors of each U.S. state and General Ordway in Washington, D.C., and others were sent to various arsenals and ammunition companies. Most of this occurred in April 1894. Other early rifles were also sent to each country of origin for the Krag-Jorgensen's competition in the trials. The vast majority of the Model 1892 First and Second Type rifles were later updated to the Model 1896 configuration, but this very early production example remains in its original configuration. The defining aspects of the approximate 1,500 original First Type Model 1892s include a solid front barrel band with integral bayonet stud and sling swivel, iron cleaning rod underneath the barrel, uncrowned muzzle, lack of hold-open pin and related provisions, solid buttplate and stock without compartment, straight toe, and handguard that does not extend over the receiver ring. This example retains all of these desirable features and even has the rare correct early brass tip on the cleaning rod, only found on the first 300 issued rifles. It has standard early Krag Model 1892 stepped ladder rear sight graduated to 1,900 yards on the ladder and not adjustable for windage, "1894." followed by "U.S./SPRINGFIELD ARMORY." and serial number "92" on the left side of the receiver, crisp "SWP/1894" inspector cartouche with angled corners on the left of the stock wrist and a "J" ahead of it, a faint circled "P" firing proof behind the trigger guard. Matching serial number "92" is marked inside of the loading gate, left front of the bolt sleeve, and bottom of the firing pin assembly. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a period leather sling, "1894" dated U.S. Model 1892 knife bayonet with wooden handle, and type III blued steel scabbard. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30 ARMY (30-40)

Price Realized:

Lot 1145

Henry Pickel Signed Lancaster Flintlock American Long Rifle

George Moller stated this rifle is in the style of 1792 U.S. Army contract rifles, and his "GDM" collection mark is discreetly stamped at the toe. In his section on these rifles in "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period," he notes that no positively identified examples of contract rifles supplied in 1792 and 1794 are known. This has led to disagreement among collectors as to whether these rifles were the same as the civilian rifles produced by the contractors or if they were much plainer and more similar to the later 1807 contract rifles. Many have assumed the patch boxes were similar to the Model 1803 rifles. General Edward Hand had been directed by Secretary of War Henry Knox to contract with Lancaster area gunmakers to supply the rifles at $12 a piece following St. Clair's humiliating defeat at the Battle of the Wabash during the Northwest Indian War, the worst defeat in U.S. military history. St. Clair's casualty rate was around 97%, and the U.S. Army as a whole lost nearly 1/4 of its men. This left the frontier vulnerable to additional attacks. After initial batches, Knox wrote back requesting additional rifles have 42 inch barrels around .49 caliber rather than the .44 1/2 inches and .47 caliber of the early rifles and feature a fly on the tumbler, patch box with spring and button release, and well-seasoned maple stocks. Some were apparently marked with U.S. markings. It is now generally believed that it was the 1792 contract rifles that were used by the Corps of Discovery under Lewis and Clark. They were used by the Western Army under General Anthony Wayne during the later part of the Northwest Indian War as well as various militia units and as presents to Indians. Over 900 were later in the Schuylkill Arsenal in 1802. Some were shipped to the frontier in the early 1800s. Moller notes they may have been among the arms issued to the Kentuckians that fought under Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. Henry Pickel (1753-1827) was active initially in York County and then later in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Kentucky Rifle Foundation notes that Pickel was "an excellent engraver with good carving skills." This rifle is signed "Henry Pickel" followed by an unclear marking ending in "157." Since some of the other U.S. contract rifles are known to be numbered, this may lend credence to the idea that this rifle was one of the 1792 contract rifles, especially given Pickel is known to have made pistols and rifles under contract for the U.S. Ordnance Department. Regardless of whether this rifle was sold to the government under the 1792 contracts, it is a very desirable example of an early national period American long rifle. It has traditional blade and notch sights, light accent marks ahead and behind the rear sight, a tapped hole in the upper tang possibly for a "lolly-pop" peep sight, unmarked lock, single trigger with scroll design, brass furniture, scroll engraved patch box with domed lid with faint period inscribed letters, heel button patch box release, attractive molding along the forend terminating in a raised relief carved fan design that is repeated by the barrel tang, molding along the bottom of the butt, "Roman nose" comb profile, incised lines on the edge of the cheek rest, staples for a vent pick below, and mix of raised and relief carved scroll pattern ahead of and to the rear of the cheek rest. The ramrod is hickory with a brass band at the tip. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50

Price Realized:

Rare Documented Martially Inspected Henry DeHuff 1807 U.S. Contract Flintlock American Long Rifle

Lot 1146

Henry DeHuff U.S. Contract Flintlock American Long Rifle

This rifle is pictured and discussed on pages 352-355 of "U.S. Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period" by George Moller and has his small "GDM" collection mark by the toe. He uses this rifle as his example of the 1807 Contract Rifles and states Henry DeHuff delivered rifles for the contracts in association with Jacob Dickert and other Lancaster area gunmakers. A very similar example is pictured on page 606 of "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values" (9th Edition) in his section on the U.S. contract rifles. The rifle has traditional blade and notch sights, "Dehuff" signed on top in script, "US" on top at the breech, "67" followed by the sunken "eagle head/P" and "P" markings on the upper left at the breech, a simple border design at the edge of the breech, imported Germanic style lock with gooseneck cock, and frizzen and frizzen spring screws fastening from the inside, brass furniture including a plain patch box with three screws in the finial and heel release button, simple cheek rest, and wooden ramrod. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 54

Scarce U.S. Contract Colt Third Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver Serial Number 18942 with Folding Rear Sight, Scarce U.S. Dragoons Cylinder Marking, and Martially Inspected Shoulder Stock Serial Number 18945/18946

Lot 1178

US Colt Third Model Dragoon Revolver with Shoulder Stock

The Third Model Dragoon revolvers are the last of the large .44 caliber Colt "revolving holster pistols" that began with the famous Colt Walker in 1847. This revolver was manufactured in 1860 under contract with the U.S. government. Most of these revolvers saw hard use on the frontier with the 1st and 2nd Dragoons and U.S. Regiment of Mounted Riflemen and were subsequently used by both sides during the Civil War. U.S. issued Dragoons in high condition are hard to find. The revolver has the round brass trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops found on Third Model Dragoons. The top flat of the barrel has a German silver front sight and "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW" cutoff by the three-leaf rear sight (one standing, two folding. The left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." The cylinder has the Indian fight scene and the desirable "U.S. DRAGOONS" marking. Matching serial numbers are found on the loading lever, wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The rear mortise of the grip is marked with the matching partial serial number "8942" in black ink and the full number "18942" in pencil. The grip also has a faint cartouche on the left, a faint, almost illegible "WAT" cartouche on the right, and "GDM" markings on each side at the butt. "K" inspection marks are on the barrel, cylinder, and top of the back strap. The closely numbered, almost matching shoulder stock is numbered "18945/18946" on the lower tang and buttplate and a faint cartouche and legible "WAT" cartouche on the left side of the wrist. Internally "1894" is also handwritten in the lower tang mortise, "18945/18946" is marked on the inside of the locking hardware, "H" is stamped on the butt above "18945" marked in black ink twice. Also includes a .44 caliber dual cavity bullet mold with "COLT'S/PATENT" marked sprue cutter and "S" marked on the body on the right and "3RD MDL (TYPE III)/DRAGOON" in marker on the left. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Rare Documented Morse Breech Loading Center-Fire Alteration of a U.S. Springfield Rifled Musket with Bayonet

Lot 1187

Morse Center-Fire Alteration of a U.S. Springfield Rifled Musket

Morse cartridge alteration rifled muskets are described on pages 95-97 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III", with this exact rifle photographed on page 96. The book states that only 2 initial muskets were shipped from Springfield to the Ordnance Office on April 22, 1859, and 54 additional rifles were completed by January of 1860. One of these was sent to Muzzy & Company (ammunition supplier to Ordnance), and 53 went to the Washington Arsenal. This system, first patented by George W. Morse in 1856 and improved in 1858, was used to create the first breech loading cartridge firearms produced by the national armories. Only a limited number of Morse conversions were conducted by the national armories at Harpers Ferry and Springfield just before the Civil War using existing Model 1841 rifles (at Harpers Ferry) and Model 1816 Muskets that had already been converted once from flintlock to percussion (both locations). Morse also patented the first center-fire cartridge, and thus, a proprietary center-fire cartridge with metal case was manufactured for these conversions. The alteration involved machining out the breech section of the barrel and installing a rather complex action and hinged "trapdoor". Moller states that of the 1,000 muskets selected to be converted, 544 were listed as "in the process of being converted" and were sold at auction. The other 400 were simply returned to the storekeepers since they remained in usable condition as percussion rifles. The rifle has a bayonet stud, blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight graduated 1-4 on the base and 5-8 on the ladder, an 1839 dated Springfield Model 1816 lock plate, standard Model 1816 stock marked with two circled script cartouches on the left flat, a circled script cartouche behind the lower tang, and a trumpet head ramrod. The breech block parts are numbered "3", "4" is marked on the left flat of the barrel at the breech, and "JO" is marked on the inside of the cocking lever, on top of the brass bolster, and on a part inside of the lock. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a US socket bayonet and leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Only Known Civil War Era Burnside Second Model Breech Loading Full Length Percussion "Rifled Musket"

Lot 1199

Burnside Second Model Full Length Percussion "Rifled Musket"

This is the only known full-length musket variation Burnside rifle manufactured by Bristol Firearms Co. circa 1860-1862, and certainly the first one this writer has ever seen. The Burnside rifled musket is described in "The Burnside Breech Loading Carbines" by Edward A. Hull pages 47-50, in which the author sums it up in a nutshell, "The story of Burnside's breech loaders would not be complete without recounting the tale of guns that never were... the rifles and rifled muskets that the Burnside Rifle Co. contracted to deliver, and didn't... The order was placed on August 28 [1861, by Army Ordnance Department] and Hartshorn [Agent] acknowledged it on August 31. From the description of the arm in the order it would appear that second model Burnside breech loaders having a thirty seven inch barrel and a full stock were intended for delivery. Since a changed caliber was not mentioned in either the proposal of the order, .54 caliber arms were probably to be delivered." This example has a 34 inch barrel, although it does measure 37 inches from the muzzle to the end of the breech block. Matching numbers "301" are on the frame and breech block, with the underside of the barrel marked "300". Taking into account the serial number of this rifle being one after the approximate 300 manufactured first model Burnside carbines (very likely the same continuous serial range), this is one of if not the earliest second model Burnsides to feature George Foster's breech-latch lever design and is marked on the right side of the lever "G. P. FOSTER. PAT./APRIL 10th 1860" (patent number 27,874), and also no longer has the provision for a tape primer mechanism as found on the first models. Pinched blade front and dual flip up ladder rear sight graduated to 900 yards, saber bayonet lug, 5-groove rifling, lock marked "BRISTOL FIREARM CO.", and a full length walnut forend with an endcap and two barrel bands. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes leather sling and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 54

Price Realized:

Incredibly Rare Documented Lindner Altered Hall Model 1819 Breech Loading Percussion Rifle with Bayonet

Lot 1206

Documented Lindner Hall 1819 Breech Loading Rifle with Bayonet

This is one of only 200 Hall Model 1819 rifles reported to have been altered by Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. to Edward Lindner's patented screw-sleeve percussion breech loading system for the state of New Hampshire at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, as a means of attempting to modernize outdated flintlock Hall rifles in storage. Lindner altered Hall rifles are described in depth on pages 91-94 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III" with this exact rifle photographed on page 92. The book states, "In addition to part of this rifle's original breech block markings, an alteration serial number, which also serves as a mating number, is stamped into the top of the breech block, stock, and other major action components. The highest observed number is '200.' An acceptance mark of 'V' over 'OD' is stamped into the stock's left flat... Because this rifle's original breech block marking is the year date '1830,' and because it has barrel band retaining springs and U.S. Inspector Otis Dudley's acceptance mark, it may safely be determined that this particular rifle was one of the first 600 Hall flintlock rifles delivered by Simeon North in 1830 under his contract with the federal government." Lindner altered Hall rifles are also described in depth on pages 34-42 of Edward Hull's book "Lindner Carbines and Rifles" in which this exact rifle is photographed on pages 35, 36, and 37. Lindner's breech loading system utilizes a locking "screw-sleeve" coupling that joins the breech end of the barrel to a tip-up threaded breech block with a chamfered face. To load, the knob on the screw-sleeve is rotated counterclockwise using the right hand, which allows the spring loaded breech block to tip upwards for loading with a combustible paper cartridge or loose powder and ball. Once loaded, the spring loaded breech block is pushed down and held with the left thumb, and the screw-sleeve is rotated clockwise gripping the knob with the right hand; creating a tight gas seal. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes socket bayonet (will not properly mount), leather sling, and wood tampion. This Lindner-Hall rifle is likely one of only a few surviving examples today; the only one witnessed by this writer. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 52

Price Realized:

Unique Prototype Springfield U.S. Military Trial Gravity-Feed Magazine Bolt Action Rifle Attributed to Inventor Lucien F. Bruce with Bayonet

Lot 1243

Springfield Prototype U.S. Military Trial Bruce Magazine Rifle

Lucien F. Bruce (1834-1910) is attributed as the inventor of this prototype magazine rifle circa 1885-1890. This rifle was very likely used in U.S. military trials. Lucien Bruce, better known for his "Bruce feed" device on Gatling guns, was involved with the Gatling Gun Company and for over fifty years an employee of Springfield Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. This bolt action rifle features a flip up gate on the left of the receiver with grooves inside of the gate for holding the rim of .45-70 cartridges for gravity feeding. The "V/P/eagle head" proofed barrel, rear barrel band with notch on top, buttplate and serrated trigger are all standard Model 1884 trapdoor pattern parts. The front sight lug is unfinished without a sight blade, no holes are drilled in the barrel for a rear sight, and the standard pattern Springfield Trapdoor stock has a filled in section on the right where the cutout would have been originally for a lock. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes US socket bayonet (oversized), period leather sling, and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70 Government

Price Realized:

Lot 3133

William Jenks Muzzle Loading Rifle

This is one of less than 100 of these distinctive rifles manufactured in the late 1830s. Very, very few are extant today making them incredibly difficult to find and acquire. This is the first we have had the pleasure of cataloging, and we may not see one again for a very long time. It is documented on pages 478-481 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period" by George Moller and has his discreet "GDM" collection mark by the toe that looks like a government inspector mark. Moller's introduction to the rifle provides excellent details. He wrote: "No contract or delivery information has been located regarding these rifles, but all observed examples bear the inspection and proof markings of U.S. inspectors James Harris and Nahum W. Patch, which indicate at least limited government procurement. Because Ordnance Department procurement for the army during this period is well documented in the National Archives, and because no mention is made of these rifles in those records, it is speculated that a small number may have been procured for firing or shipboard trials by the U.S. Navy, of which a great deal less is known during this 1838-1840 period. It has also been speculated that a quantity of these rifles were procured by the Republic of Texas in 1840. Information in Texas documents concerning the procurement, transportation, and issue of 250 Jenks arms refers to 'rifles' and 'carbines' at different times. It is possible that both were included." The rifle has a brass blade front sight, bayonet lug on the underside near the muzzle followed by the "fishtail" bayonet retaining spring, "U" notch rear sight, three barrel bands with a ramrod ferrule on the front band and "5" marked on the right of the rear bands, a leather sling fitted to the swivels on the middle band and front of the trigger guard, "J.H." and sunken "P" at the breech, "CHICOPEEFALLS CO./MS." on the rear of the distinctive back action lock, oval "JH" cartouche on the left flat, another faint cartouche by the buttplate tang (likely "NWP" based on Moller's writing), and rather slender walnut stock. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 62 smoothbore

Lot 3135

1804 Dated U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1803 Flintlock Rifle

The U.S. Model 1803 was the first true military rifle issued by the U.S. government. Prior rifles were basically civilian American long rifles purchased from gunmakers, but this model was designed and manufactured at the Harper's Ferry Arsenal. It is also distinct from the rifles that followed thanks to its half-stock configuration and under-rib on the barrel. Altogether, they are unique and historically significant U.S. martial arms. This early Type I Model 1803 is pictured and discussed in the "Model 1803 Harpers Ferry Rifle" chapter on pages 336-346 in "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period" by George Moller and has his discreet "GDM" collection mark by the toe. This variation was manufactured in 1804-1807 and limited to around 3,914-4,105 rifles per Moller's work. It has seven groove rifling, low profile blade and notch sights, a "wedding band" at the transition point, the sunken "eagle head/P" and "US" proofs and stamped "974" on the upper left barrel flat at the breech, "eagle/US" at the center of the lock, "HARPERS/FERRY/1804" on the tail of the lock, "13 V" inside the lock, brass furniture, iron ramrod with flared tip, oval "V/IP" cartouche (Harper's Ferry Superintendent Joseph Perkins) on the left stock flat, "L" behind the trigger guard, "IW" hand carved above the cheek rest which has an incised line border, and a worm and vent pick inside the patch box. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 54

Price Realized:

Rare Documented Merrill Breech Loading Alteration of a U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1841 Percussion "Mississippi" Rifle

Lot 200

Documented Merrill Alteration U.S. Harpers Ferry 1841 Rifle

Reportedly, 100 each of the Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifles, Model 1842 muskets, and Model 1847 cavalry musketoons were converted using James H. Merrill's breech loading system c. 1861-1862. Merrill breech loading alterations of the Model 1841 rifles are described on pages 172-175 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III", with this exact rifle photographed on page 173. The alteration of these Model 1841 rifles involved boring out the barrel and rifling it for use with .58 Minie balls, removing the original breech plug and installing the Merrill breech system as well as adding the lever catch to the barrel, adding a screw through the lock plate, and using a bolster with a cleanout screw. It has a brass blade front sight, three leaf rear sight, "V/P/eagle head" proofs on the left at the breech, the three-line Merrill marking on the lever, standard Harpers Ferry markings on the 1850 dated lock, "JLR" and "R" marked on the left stock flat. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a period leather sling, brass tipped wood tampion, and tools in patch box. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 58

Price Realized:

Outstanding Documented Civil War U.S. Whitney Model 1861 Navy Percussion Rifle with Number Matching Saber Bayonet

Lot 3153

Civil War U.S. Whitney 1861 Navy Percussion Rifle with Bayonet

These Plymouth rifles are described in depth on pages 507-513 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III", with this exact rifle photographed on the bottom of page 510. Manufactured under a July of 1861 contract, with delivery of 10,000 rifles completed in 1864. The Plymouth Rifle was manufactured on the recommendation of Navy ordnance officer John A. Dahlgren and was based on the French Model 1849 "Chasseurs de Vincennes" percussion rifle. It features a .69 caliber rifled barrel with bayonet lug on the right side, long range leaf sight graduated to 1,000 yards, trigger guard with spur finger grip and ramrod with large cylindrical tip pierced with a small hole. The stock has a sling swivel fitted ahead of the buttplate. The iron components are finished "National Armory Bright" and the stock is oil-finished black walnut. The 1862 dated lock is decorated with a large eagle/shield ahead of the hammer and is marked "U.S./WHITNEY-VILLE" in two lines. A navy "anchor" is marked on top of the barrel at the breech. The barrel tang is marked with the number "2441" (the 1 is inverted). A small "W" sub-inspector's mark is stamped on the left barrel flat. The included saber bayonet has a 22 3/8 inch polished steel blade with spear point. The brass hilt has cast-ribbed grips and a bird's head pommel with matching serial number to the rifle "2441" marked on the flat of the hilt. The bayonets were originally numbered to match the rifles and rarely do; however, this example does in fact have it's number matching bayonet! The reverse ricasso is stamped "COLLINS & CO" in an arch above "HARTFORD/CONN". The scabbard has a black leather body with brass tip and throat and a round frog button. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Also included is a period leather sling and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 145

1806 Dated First Model Virginia Manufactory Flintlock Rifle

The First Model rifles (aka Type I rifles) were manufactured in Richmond, Virginia, and have been recorded with dates from about 1805 to 1808. Estimates range from 200 to 333 produced for the state militia. George Moller lists the latter figure in "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period" and features this rifle as his example on page 318. His discreet "GDM" collection marking is near the toe. Considerably less than 333 of these rifles remain today. This example is dated "1806" at the rear of the lock plate below "RICHMOND". The lock plate is also marked "VIRGINIA/Manufactory" with the latter in script at the center. The barrel has dovetailed blade and notch sights and a partial regimental marking "15" on top at the breech. It has been bored out to .50 caliber and has faint rifling. The rifle also features the correct First Model rattlesnake shaped four-piece patch box inscribed "Don't tread" and "on me" on the side plates read looking down from above the comb. The patch box is opened via a button on the buttplate tang. The snake's tongue is lightly carved into the stock which runs all the way to the muzzle and has simple iron furniture, a "P" behind the trigger guard, a low comb, and a shallow cheek rest with light incised line at the edge. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50

Price Realized:

Lot 437

US Winchester Model 12 Slide Action Trench Shotgun with Bayonet

Manufactured in 1943. Single steel bead sight on the four-hole "W" marked heat shield/bayonet adaptor, 2 3/4 inch chamber, and a cylinder marked choke. The top of the barrel is marked with the "flaming bomb" proof followed by the Winchester oval "WP" proof at the breech. The right side of the receiver is marked with the "U.S. flaming bomb" roll mark. Full blue finish with the correct model marking on the barrel and matching serial numbers on the receiver and barrel collar. Mounted with an 18-groove round slide handle and smooth pistol grip stock with a "G.H.D." cartouche over crossed cannons on the left side, and a hard rubber Winchester buttplate. Includes a correct Remington M1917 bayonet with scabbard and leather sling. Length of pull 14 inches. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 12

Price Realized:

Exceptional World War I U.S. Winchester Model 1897 Trench Shotgun with Bayonet

Lot 461

WWI Era U.S. Winchester Model 1897 Trench Shotgun with Bayonet

Manufactured in 1918, this World War I era Winchester Model 1897 trench shotgun that falls into the known serial number range of approximately 620000-730000. The Winchester 1897 was one of John Browning's many contributions to American sporting and combat arms, and in both the "trench" and "riot" configurations performed fine service for military and law enforcement users, seeing action as early as 1899 in the Philippines, and earning particular fame in World War I and World War II for it's potent close range firepower. Single bead sight on the bayonet lug, with a six-hole heat shield over the barrel, cylinder choke, and a 2 3/4 inch chamber. "U.S. (flaming bomb)" is stamped ahead of the chamber. Fitted with an 18-groove forearm and a smooth pistol grip stock with a checkered Winchester buttplate. Includes a period leather sling and Remington M1917 bayonet. Length of pull 13 1/2 inches. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 12

Price Realized:

Incredibly Rare Unmarked Experimental Prototype Pattern U.S. Springfield Model 1812 Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

Lot 1147

Unmarked Experimental Pattern U.S. Springfield 1812 Musket

Springfield Model 1812 pattern muskets are described on pages 83-84 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume II". The book states, "In 1813 Springfield Armory fabricated six pattern Model 1812 muskets... There are two known examples (this example makes three) of the Springfield Armory Model 1812 pattern muskets fabricated in 1813 that contain the design features described in contemporary correspondence. One is located in the Springfield Armory Museum [SPAR 5402], and the other is in a private collection [reference lot 3104]. These muskets are similar to each other, and the design of their locks and barrels reflects the influence of the French Model 1777 musket. They also have a number of innovations that would be incorporated into the design and production of the Model 1812, Model 1816, and Model 1840 flintlock muskets, as well as the Model 1855 percussion rifle musket." This unmarked musket was likely discovered after publication of Moller's book, and would be the third known example of a Springfield Model 1812 pattern musket. It has a bayonet stud on bottom near the muzzle, brass blade front sight on the rear strap of the front barrel band, rectangular barrel band studs, unmarked outside surfaces of the lock and barrel, circled script "ET" (Elisha Toby) inspection cartouche on the left flat of the stock, and a cheek cutout on the left side of the comb. Script "D" inspection mark outside and hidden inside on various parts. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes US socket bayonet, leather sling, and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Exceptional Civil War U.S. Contract Sharps New Model 1863 Military Percussion Rifle with Bayonet

Lot 1183

Civil War Sharps New Model 1863 Military Rifle with Bayonet

Approximately 6,150 Sharps New Model 1863 Military rifles with a front sight doubling as a bayonet lug were manufactured in the C,30000-C,40000 serial range, compared to over 60,000 New Model 1863 carbines, making them a desirable and scarce Sharps variation. Iron blade front and Lawrence patent ladder rear sight with 900 yard center notch mounted on the blued barrel with three barrel bands. Casehardened barrel bands, receiver, hammer, trigger guard lever, lower tang, patch box, and buttplate. The forearm flat ahead of the trigger guard is inspector marked "A.W.M." The left side of the wrist is marked with two boxed script "JWR" cartouches. The top rear of the stock is inspector marked "M.N.M." Two piece walnut stock with iron patch box. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a scarce Collins socket bayonet, leather sling (detached), and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 52

Price Realized:

Rare Experimental Prototype U.S. Springfield Armory Striker-Fired Trapdoor Rifle with Bayonet

Lot 1227

Prototype Springfield Armory Hammerless Trapdoor Rifle

This striker-fired trapdoor rifle appears to have been manufactured at Springfield Armory, and is very likely the creation of Master Armorer Erskine S. Allin circa 1885-1890 as an attempted improvement on the primary issue U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor then in military service. It features a spring-loaded striker-fired firing pin that cocks itself upon opening the trapdoor breechblock. The trigger interacts with a sear located on the underside of the breechblock. On top of the breechblock is a manual safety mechanism, which blocks the firing pin when engaged. The stock appears to originate from the same blank as the standard issue Trapdoor, without a section removed for fitting of a lock plate. The underside of the stock has a flat section that appears to be a mounting point for some sort of a magazine cartridge holder. The "V/P/eagle head" proofed barrel, blade front sight, cleaning rod, barrel bands, and "U.S." marked buttplate are all of the standard pattern found on a Model 1884 Trapdoor. The 1,200 yard windage adjustable rear sight is of it's own type. The inside left track of the receiver is marked with serial number "1". "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a US socket bayonet, scabbard, US leather frog, Rock Island Arsenal leather sling, and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70 Government

Price Realized:

Lot 3096

Jacob Dickert U.S. 1807 Contract Flintlock American Long Rifle

"American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period" by George Moller on page 349 states that Dickert, DeHuff & Co. was an association of Jacob Dickert, Henry DeHuff, George Miller, Christopher Gumpf, John Bender, and Peter Gonter, all Lancaster area gunmakers. They received a contract for these rifles on December 9, 1807, from Tench Coxe for 600 rifles at $10 a piece. Jacob Dickert came to the colonies in 1740 from what is now Germany and settled in Lancaster County. He had one of the largest and most influential rifle shops in the country in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The rifles were ordered in response to ongoing tensions with the British that eventually erupted as the War of 1812. Secretary of War Henry Dearborn specified that the 1807 contract rifles should have 38 inch or shorter barrels and fire half ounce balls (.525-.53 caliber round ball, .54 bore), and Coxe was more specific in his instructions to Dickert and the other riflemakers and stated that the barrels should be 1/3 octagon and 2/3 round. They were delivered in multiple shipments. 557 rifles by these gunmakers were inspected and accepted by May 9, 1809. These rifles display a mix of signatures and markings. See the DeHuff rifle in his book and in this sale in lot [EIKZ218-83] for another example. The article "1792 and 1807 Contract Rifles" by Edward R. Flanagan in "American Society of Arms Collectors Bulletin 97:30-38" lists just three 1807 contract rifles by Dickert out of a total of just fourteen total 1807 contract rifles known to survive today. While most of the world's militaries almost exclusively used muskets for their martial arms, the United States made use of riflemen both in the federal army and in state militia units. Because of the low prices specified for the rifles, they were not as high quality as the usual "Kentucky rifles" manufactured by Dickert and the other Pennsylvania riflesmiths and had issues with the locks and some of the barrels. Nonetheless, they were put in working order and issued during the War of 1812 or delivered to allied Indians. As is rather common with these early rifles, the barrel was subsequently bored out to around .62 caliber smoothbore. It has a brass blade front sight, low notch rear sight, "J [crossed tomahawk and arrow cartouche] Dickert" signed on top of the barrel in the breech section, "US" on top at the breech, "eagle head/P" proof/inspection mark on the upper left flat barrel flat, "XX" at the tail of the German style lock, frizzen and frizzen spring screws that enter from the inside of the lock, a plain trigger, a proper hickory ramrod with brass band at the tip, and a lightly figured full-length maple stock with a small cheekpiece and plain brass furniture consisting of a forend cap, two ramrod pipes, a ramrod entry pipe, side plate, trigger guard with grip extension with a spur, patch box, and buttplate. It correctly does not have any provisions for mounting a sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 62

Price Realized:

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