Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 236

Lot 236:Civil War Lee Fire Arms Co. Single Shot Carbine

September 10th, 2021|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 236

Lot 236:Civil War Lee Fire Arms Co. Single Shot Carbine

September 10th, 2021|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$4,000 - $6,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Rare Civil War Lee Fire Arms Co. Single Shot Carbine

These carbines were designed by James Paris Lee and manufactured by the Lee Fire Arms Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Though Lee is most famous for his bolt action and magazine design, the first production arms manufactured based on Lee's designs were these single shot carbines. The barrels were subcontracted to Remington, but an error in communication and/or the U.S. Ordnance Department's desire to not pay for the arms after the conclusion of the war led to the government rejecting the whole batch of carbines due to the carbines being bored out to .42 caliber like the trials arms instead of the .44 caliber mentioned in communications from Chief of Ordnance Brigadier General A.B. Dyer. Only 255 carbines and an unknown number of sporting rifles were completed by November 1866, and 202 others were nearly complete. Other components were also outsourced, but they were assembled in Milwaukee. A very detailed history of these firearms is laid out in the article "James Lee, Wisconsin Arms Inventor, 1860-1874" by Herb Uphoff available through the American Society of Arms Collectors. It has a "pinched" blade front sight, two leaf 500 yard rear sight, "LEE'S FIRE ARMS CO. MILWAUKEE, WIS/PATD JULY 22D 1862." on the left side of the barrel, a saddle ring bar and ring on the left side of the action, matching serial numbers on the barrel and action, and smooth buttstock. With the hammer at half cock, the side swing barrel opens for loading from the right. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

ConditionGood with smooth brown patina overall, scattered minor marks and scratches, and some faint pitting. Stock is lightly sanded and re-oiled with scattered light circular scratches, and a light chip at the toe. Mechanically fine.
Details
ManufacturerLee Firearms Co
ModelSingle Shot-Carbine
TypeRifle
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge44 RF
Barrel21 inch round
Finishblue
Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views3291
Catalog page181
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 233Civil War Confederate S.C. Robinson Sharps Type Carbine
View Lot
Lot 255Civil War Starr Arms Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine
View Lot
Lot 1236Civil War Era Ball & Williams Ballard Carbine
View Lot
Lot 1020Civil War New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle
View Lot
Show More