Lot 1190: U.S. Civil War Whitney Model 1855 Percussion Rifle-Musket

One of only an estimated 350 manufactured by Whitney Arms circa 1861 using Model 1855 Maynard Tape Primed locks which are normally dated 1858, like this example. The barrel is fitted with a Type I or Whitney variant Model 1855 long-range rear sight that uses a 2 5/16 inch base and folding leaf graduated from 500 to 800 yards on the left branch with slide. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a "US" marked socket bayonet and brown leather sling. This exact rifle-musket is pictured on pages 487-488 and the model is discussed in detail on pages 486-490 in George Moller's "American Military Shoulder Arms, Vol. III". These rifles are known to have been issued to the 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, who fought bravely in Burnside's IX Corps on the Union left flank at the Battle of Antietam, advancing further than any other regiment, and the last to be driven back. They suffered 34 killed, 139 wounded, and 21 missing of the 400 men deployed at the start of the day. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very fine. The metal surfaces have an overall light silver-gray patina with numerous dings on and around the barrel bands and typical bayonet wear at the muzzle. The stock is excellent with a barely noticeable hairline stress crack at the lock plate, small patch of paint towards the toe (right side) and some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.