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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. II BY MOLLER
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. II BY MOLLER
Collector’s Fact
Rufus Perkins delivered only 200 musket rifles on a 1808 contract for 2,500 muskets, using remaining parts to produce arms for individual militiamen and militia companies.
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. II BY MOLLER
116
LOT 151
Scarce Documented U.S. Springfield Model 1812 Type II Flintlock Musket with Altered
Model 1795 Lock and Bayonet - NSN, 69 cal., 42 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock.
Model 1812 muskets with altered Model 1795 locks are described on pages 94-95 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II”, with this exact musket photographed on both pages. The book states, “A very few Model 1812 (Type II) muskets were made in 1816 with altered Model 1795 (Type III) locks dated 1813. It is speculated that these muskets were assembled sometime in early 1816 to use up existing stores of Model 1795 locks. The rear profile of the lockplate was altered to conform to the Model 1812 configuration: its rear end is pointed instead of having a projecting point.” It has a bayonet stud on top near the muzzle, blade front sight on the rear of the upper barrel band, distinctive Type II
rectangular barrel band studs, “US/eagle and shield/SPRINGFIELD” at the center of the lock, “US” and “P/eagle head/V” stamps on the barrel at the breech,
period modified cheek cutout on the left side of the comb, and a partial “18” marked on the buttplate tang (likely 1816, as noted by Moller on known examples). “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes socket bayonet, leather sling, and wood tampion. CONDITION: Very good with mostly bright surfaces, scattered patches of dark colored light pitting, and sharp lock markings. Stock is very good as refinished with scattered scuffs and dents, chipped sections at the upper tang, light chipping at the rear of the lock, and a chip at the left of the buttplate. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is good with scattered mild pitting. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 152
Very Fine Documented Eli Whitney New Haven U.S. Contract 1812 Type III Flintlock Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 69 cal., 42 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Eli Whitney 1812 contract
muskets are described on pages 187-189 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II”, with this exact musket photographed on pages 187 and 188. Features include a top mounted bayonet stud, brass blade front sight on the rear
part of the front barrel band, “N. HAVEN.” in a banner marked at the center of the lock, small mating marks on all internal and external parts of the lock as typical of late type III muskets, and “V/JN” marked on the rear of the left stock flat. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes socket bayonet, leather sling, and wood tampion. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining most of the original bright surfaces with smooth brown patina on some of the components. Stock is also very fine with some light handling marks, scratches and chips around the band springs, a chip above the side plate, and
some wear at the toe. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very good with brown patina.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 153
Documented Rufus Perkin “Bridgewater” Militia Flintlock Musket Dated 1812 -
NSN, 69 cal., 36 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This musket is pictured and discussed on page 230 of “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock
Period” by George Moller as part of his discussion on the arms of Rufus Perkins of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and has his discreet “GDM” collection mark at the toe. Perkins delivered only 200 muskets in 1809 and 1810 against a contract of 1808 for 2,500 muskets before being released from his obligations in 1813 and used his stock of components to produce arms believed to have been sold to individual militiamen or militia companies. Many were likely used during the
War of 1812. This musket is similar to the Model 1808 contract muskets aside from the length. The shorter barrel may have been from using a barrel salvaged, perhaps after being damaged in proofing,
or may have been something requested or marketed for use by the artillery or cavalry. It features a small bayonet stud on top near the muzzle, brass blade front sight on the rear of the upper band, later russet leather sling fitted to the swivels on the middle bad and front of the trigger guard, “P/V” stamped on the barrel at the breech, “BRIDGWATER/1812” on the tail of the lock (missing the first “E”), eagle and oval “US” marking at the center of the lock, and small double punch marks on the lock components that Moller notes were used by Perkins to ensure proper assembly. CONDITION: Very good with mostly silver-gray patina, minor pitting mainly at the vent, some areas of light brown patina, and general mild wear. The stock is also very good and has mild scratches and dings, a few slight flakes and minor hairline cracks, and smooth oiled finish. Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 154 Scarce U.S. Springfield Model 1795 Type II Flintlock Musket Dated 1806 with Bayonet - NSN, 69 cal., 44 1/2
inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. The Model 1795 is historically significant as the first official standardized U.S. martial arm and the first firearms manufactured at the U.S. armories. The Model 1795 was based on the French Model 1766 widely used during the
Revolution, and was the main infantry arm of the War of 1812. This musket has the correct Type II markings and features with a round bottom flash pan and shorter front end on the trigger guard (c. 1806-1809). The lock is marked at the tail with a vertical “1806” behind “SPRINGFIELD” in an arc, and at the center of the lock
is a script “US” above a shielded eagle looking to its right. The barrel has the standard “P/eagle/V” proofmarks at the left of the breech and a “US” mark on top. “1806” date marked
on the buttplate tang. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes socket bayonet, leather sling, and wood tampion. CONDITION: Good with scattered mild oxidation and pitting, defined lock markings, and mostly legible barrel markings. Stock is very good with some scratches and scuffs, an absent section behind the lock, and a few hairline cracks. Mechanically fine. Included bayonet is also good with brown patina and scattered mild pitting.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000