Lot 188: North U.S. 1840 Type I Hall Breech Carbine with Ramrod Bayonet

This is one of only approximately 500 Model 1840 Type I carbines reportedly manufactured by Simeon North in 1840 under contract with the U.S. Government based on John H. Hall's patented breech loading design. North is easily one of the most important gunmakers of the early republic and manufactured U.S. martial arms from 1799 until his death in 1852. This rare Model 1840 Type I Hall carbine features an "L" shaped elbow breech lever mounted on the trigger plate, unlike the "fishtail" lever on the subsequent Type II carbines. It retains its original smooth bore and has a fixed blade front sight and V notch rear sight. Interestingly, this example features a ramrod bayonet and a 26 3/16 inch barrel length as usually seen on a Model 1833 Hall carbine; the limited surviving examples of these Model 1840 Type I carbines are typically seen with a 21 inch barrel and a standard cleaning rod (reference lot 1164). It should be noted that this specific Hall variation is not acknowleged in "Flayderman's Guide" but an article exists, American Society of Arms Collectors' Bulletin Number 54 (Spring, 1986), titled "The Model 1833 North/Hall Carbine, Type III" in which the author was aware of nine specimens of this configuration extant at the time of writing, and also indicates that he believes these were likely included as delivered under the same contract of 500 Model 1840 Type I carbines of the type mentioned in Flayderman’s. "NWP" (Nahum W. Patch) inspection initials marked on the left breech end of the barrel, an oval script "NWP" inspection cartouche marked on the left stock flat, and a very faint boxed script "MPL" (Mann Paige Lomax) inspection cartouche (visible only with a flashlight) on top of the buttstock ahead of the buttplate tang. "U.S/S. NORTH/MIDLtn/CONN./1840" marked breech block. A sling ring is fitted near the end of the trigger guard tang. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Good, exhibiting genuine period use with brown patina and scattered moderate pitting overall, and nice markings in the metal. Stock is also good with scattered dents, scuffs, scratches, an absent/cracked section on the right of the forend and in the right of the ramrod channel, a hairline crack on the left flat behind the gas vent, a large repaired cracked section behind the receiver, an absent chipped section behind the left rear of the receiver, cracks on either side of the buttstock, and a nice legible cartouche. Mechanically excellent. Due to hard period use, these Model 1840 Type I Hall carbines rarely turn up in any condition and this is a rare opportunity to acquire one with a ramrod bayonet!