The U.S. Navy originally ordered 500 of these rifles with 30 inch barrels and saber bayonet lugs, and only approximately 200 are believed to have been manufactured and delivered by A. H. Waters of Milbury, Massachusetts, in 1860. Interestingly, these Joslyn arms were the last firearms manufactured by Asa H. Waters. The Waters family had been involved in U.S. martial arms contracts since at least the 1808 contract muskets. "A. H. WATERS & CO./MILBURY MASS" marked at the center of the lock with some fading on the top right edge of the markings. It has a large pinched blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight graduated up to 800 yards. Matching serial number "956" marked on the left of the breech block, hidden inside on the left of the receiver, underside of the barrel, and underside of the buttplate. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a brass handled Model 1855 attributed Ames saber bayonet and brass tipped leather scabbard. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Good with mottled brown and gray patina indicative of period Naval use, with some traces of original blue finish on the barrel and faint traces of original case colors on the lock and on protected areas of the breech piece, and some scattered light pitting. Stock is fair with scattered dents, scratches, dings, a chip at the top of the left flat, cracks behind and below the lock, a small chip below the lock, a crack on the left of the wrist, and a repaired section at the toe. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very good with some light pitting on the lightly sharpened blade, and a bright lightly polished brass handle. Scabbard is also very good with some light cracking of the leather and lightly polished brass tips.