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LOT 202
U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1841 Percussion “Mississippi Rifle” with Long Range Sight and Saber Bayonet Stud - NSN, 54 cal., 33 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Harpers Ferry Model 1841 rifle with arsenal alterations performed c. 1855 including a long range rear sight and bayonet lug. “Type IIB” alterations of Model 1841s are described on pages 145-146 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III”. This variation is identified in having 100 yard steps on the side walls of the long range rear sight with graduations marked from “2” to “4” on the right, and a 1,000 yard flip-up ladder. Part of the alteration consisted of brazing a lug with guide key for a saber bayonet on the right side of the barrel, and installation of a new, shorter, forward barrel band after shortening the forend. The rear of the lock plate is marked: “HARPERS/FERRY/1851” vertically in three lines. “Eagle and shield/U.S.” is stamped on the lock ahead of the hammer. The barrel tang is dated “1851”. The left side of the barrel is stamped “WW/P” perpendicular to the bore followed by the usual arsenal “V/P/eaglehead” proof and inspection marks stamped parallel to the bore. The barrel and ramrod are bright, the hammer and lock casehardened, and the mountings are brass. Many of these rifles were rebored to .58 caliber, but this example is still in its original .54 caliber with a seven groove rifled barrel. These rifles saw extensive service during the first several years of the Civil War in both the Union and Confederate Armies. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes “OHIO” marked leather sling, wood tampion, extra nipple and tools in patch box. CONDITION: Very good plus, retaining 30% arsenal refurbished brown finish on the barrel, strongest at the edges with the balance a smooth gray patina, and some scattered patches of mild pitting. Stock is also very good with some scattered light scratches and dents, a chip ahead of the lock, a filled in repair on the left ahead of the flat and on the left front of the comb. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 203
Very Scarce Documented U.S. Springfield Model 1858 Type I Cadet Percussion Rifle-Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 58 cal., 38 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Approximately 1,501 Type I Model 1858 Cadet rifle-muskets with the early long range rear sight were manufactured at Springfield Armory in 1858, and 1,000 of the Type II variation with the later flip-up rear sight were manufactured in 1860. The Model 1858 Cadet is nearly identical to the standard issue Model 1855 rifle-musket, and only differs in having a two inch shorter barrel with a slightly shortened stock, as requested for use by the West Point Military Academy. The Type I Model 1858 Cadet rifle-musket is described on pages 278-
281 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III”, with this exact rifle photographed on page 279. It has standard markings and early features including an 1858 dated lock and barrel, and early brass end cap. Left stock flat marked with circled script “JS” (John Symington) and “ESA” (Erskine S. Allin) cartouches. A small “X” is carved on the right rear of the stock. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a US socket bayonet, leather sling, and brass tipped wood tampion. CONDITION: Fine, retaining mostly bright surfaces with some light pitting concentrated towards the muzzle end, a few patches of light pitting near the top of the rear band, markings on the
barrel and lock are light but fully legible, and sharp markings on the lock. Stock is fine overall with defined edges, numerous handling and storage marks, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is excellent. This is a fine example of a rarely encountered Model 1858 Cadet rifle-musket that would make a fine addition to any collection. Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
LOT 204
Massachusetts Marked Drake Alteration Robbins & Lawrence Model 1841 “Mississippi” Percussion Rifle with Bayonet - NSN, 54 cal., 33 inch round bbl., brown/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. Reportedly, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts contracted with A. J. Drake of Boston in 1862 to alter approximately 1,839 “Windsor rifles” (believed to have been Model 1841 rifles made by Robbins & Lawrence) they had on hand to accept a socket bayonet with a blade/stud front sight and three-leaf 500 yard Model 1858 rear sight.
This Drake altered Model 1841 rifle is marked with “ROBBINS/&/LAWRENCE/U.S.” on the lock plate ahead of the hammer, and “WINDSOR VT./1849” at the tail of the lock. The buttplate tang has a small “US” stamp along with “CO. E/MASS.46/3”. The 46th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry/Militia Regiment was raised primarily in Hampden County, Massachusetts, in 1862. Most of its men volunteered to stay on and join the Army of the Potomac after their enlistments expired due to Lee’s invasion of Pennsylvania in 1863. 100 of the men then reenlisted by joining the 2nd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. During its enlistment, the 46th only lost one man in combat and another 35 by disease. Much of their service consisted of manning defensive positions at key positions in the North. “US/J.P.C./P” (James P. Chapman) marked on top of the barrel at
Collector’s Fact
One of only 1,501 U.S. Springfield Model 1858 Type I Cadet Rifle-Muskets manufactured.
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. III BY MOLLER
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
Collector’s Fact
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts contracted A.J Drake of Boston to alter approximately only 1,839 rifles, believed to be Model 1841 Robbins & Lawrence Rifles, to accept a socket bayonet and a three-leaf 500 yard
rear sight.
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the breech. Drake alteration number “456” marked on the back surface of the barrel at the breech and on the back surface of the barrel tang (both require disassembly straight wrist walnut stock has a brass patch box, and two inspection cartouches marked on the left flat including a faint boxed script “JPC” and a strong oval script “WAT” (William A. Thornton). Brass tipped trumpet head iron ramrod. Sling swivels mounted on the barrel band and front of the trigger guard. Faintly punch marked “WAR 1861-1865” on the left of the buttstock (filled in with wood filler). “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes Drake pattern socket bayonet, reproduction leather sling, and wood tampion. CONDITION: Fine, 20% arsenal brown finish on the barrel with gray patina on the balance and numerous scattered patches of brown surface pitting. More than half of the arsenal refurbished dark blue casehardening visible on the lock with crisp markings. Brass retains an attractive original patina. Front sling ring is broken. Stock is fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled with some scratches and dents, and filled in markings on the left of the buttstock (referenced above). Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
to view). The