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LOT 205
Documented Colt Alteration Whitney Model 1841 Percussion “Mississippi Rifle” with Saber Bayonet - Serial no. 3739, 58 cal., 33
inch round bbl., bright/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Colt alterations of “Mississippi Rifles” are described on p. 156-159 of “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III” by George Moller, and this rifle is featured on p. 157 and 158. It was converted to .58 caliber (seven-groove
rifling) by Colt and features the Colt Model 1855 revolving rifle rear sight and ring mounted bayonet stud. These were fitted with saber bayonets originally numbered to the guns (this one not matching, most do not). In 1861, Colt purchased approximately
11,368 Model 1841 rifles from the Ordnance Department for $10.00 a piece which would have included pieces both from Harpers Ferry and government contractors. Colt then
altered them for use with .58 caliber Minie balls and bayonets under an agreement to sell them all back once the alterations were performed. By June of 1862, Colt had sold 10,411 of
the converted rifles back to the government for $18.50 a piece and made a quick and handsome profit, selling the rest to the state of Connecticut against his original agreement. Similar arms deals between the government and Colt earned both Samuel Colt and some top level officials a fair amount of ire. The barrel has a brass blade front sight, 500 yard Colt three-leaf rear sight, clamp-on band with bayonet stud marked “3739” as well as “3739” behind it on the barrel, “1 CC” and “B” on the left at the breech, and “1854” date on the tang. The lock is marked “E. WHITNEY/U.S.” at the center and “N. HAVEN/1854” on the tail. The left stock flat has “JM” and “WAT” (William A. Thornton) cartouches. “US” is marked on the brass buttplate tang. “M” is marked on the side plate. A “GDM”
collection mark is at the toe. Includes an 1861 dated saber bayonet marked with number “3021” on the flat of the hilt, leather sling, and a spare nipple and tool in the patch box. CONDITION: Very good with smooth mottled brown patina on the barrel and lock, bright brass fittings, and general mild wear. Stock is fine with attractive original raised wood grain, some light scratches and dings, a small crack ahead of the rear lock screw, and chips on the edges of the barrel and ramrod channel. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is fine with some scattered light pitting on the blade. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 206
Scarce U.S. Hall Model 1836 Percussion Carbine with Ramrod Bayonet - NSN, 64 cal., 23 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Approximately 2,020 Hall Model 1836 carbines were manufactured circa 1837-40. Dated “1839” on the breechblock. Standard markings and features, including the ramrod type sliding bayonet. These carbines were issued to the 2nd U.S. Dragoons and used by them during the Second Seminole War in Florida. CONDITION: Very good, showing strong traces of original brown finish with the balance a mottled brown patina with some scattered areas of light pitting. The wood is also very good with numerous scattered minor dings, and chips on both the top rear edges of the flats. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,000
LOT 207
Very Scarce Documented Krider Percussion Short Rifle - NSN, 58 cal., 33 inch round bbl., brown/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. John H. Krider, his rifles, and rifle-muskets are described on p. 386-395 of “American Military
Shoulder Arms, Volume III” by George Moller. He states that Krider is believed to have sold weapons and accoutrements to Philadelphia area militias, including rifles in two different barrel lengths during the Civil War. The shorter rifles are noted with 33 inch barrels. This Krider short rifle is photographed on p. 391, and Moller
wrote, “The narrow brass barrel bands used by Krider on these rifles are similar to those used on some of the military rifles made by Henry, suggesting these makers procured them from the same source. Also the brass implement compartment
covers are similar to those used by another Philadelphia gun-maker, Christian Sharps, in his military arms. These brass implement compartment covers were also used as components of the 1861-1862-period military rifles made by J. Henry & Son and Phillip S. Justice.” A “GDM” collection mark is at the toe. Includes a leather sling.
CONDITION: Very good with mottled dark brown patina on the barrel and lock, bright brass bands and ramrod tip, and fine lightly aged patina on the brass trigger guard, atch box and buttplate. Stock is fine with some light scratches and dents, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,750
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS VOL. III BY MOLLER
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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS VOL. III BY MOLLER
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