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LOT 242
Desirable Spanish-American War Era U.S. Springfield Model 1896 Krag-Jorgensen Bolt Action Carbine - Serial no. 32981, 30 ARMY (30-40) cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. These carbines were used throughout the Spanish-American War and later in the Philippine Insurrection, most famously by future President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1st Volunteer Cavalry “Rough Riders”. Fixed blade front sight fitted with “C” marked detachable sight hood and 2,000 yard “C” marked ladder rear sight. The oil-quenched casehardened receiver is marked “1896.”, “U.S./SPRINGFIELD ARMORY.” and serial number “32981” on the left side. Correct high hump
barrel band to protect the rear sight from bumping into the saddle boot, a short saddle ring on the left side followed by a partial boxed script “JSA/1896” cartouche with
angled corners, a faint circled script “P” behind the trigger guard, and a flat buttplate with a trapdoor cleaning rod compartment containing a three-piece cleaning rod. “1ST U.S.V.C. SANTIAGO CUBA. 1898” stamped on the underbelly of the stock (there is currently no serial number hit to positively verify this carbine as having been issued to the 1st Volunteers), an “N” carved ahead of the trigger guard, “CAC” punch dotted into the left of the buttstock, a “C” carved in the right of the buttstock, and three tick marks carved in the top of the comb. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. CONDITION: Very good plus, retaining 30% original blue finish on the barrel and band with some light wear, and the buttplate turned to a mottled gray/brown patina. 20% oil-quenched casehardened finish with some scattered light freckling and smooth gray patina on the balance. Stock is also very good with crisp grasping grooves, a crack at the rear of the handguard, scattered scratches, carvings, and light chips at the toe. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 243
Historic Documented U.S. Colt Single Action Artillery Model Revolver
Issued to Pvt. Horton A. Bennett of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry,
Theodore Roosevelt’s Famous “The Rough Riders,” with Factory and
Kopec Letters and Case - Serial no. 4238, 45 LC cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/nickel
finish, walnut grips. The Rough Riders, officially the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, are the most famous of all U.S. units from the Spanish-American War and are particularly well-known for being led by future president Theodore Roosevelt during their charge up Kettle Hill during the Battle of San Juan Hill. The letter from John Kopec and included National Archives letter indicates this revolver is recorded as issued to the “1st U.S.V. Cavalry” on June 20, 1898 and then issued to
Private Horton A. Bennett of Tularosa, New Mexico Territory. Bennett transferred from Troop H to Troop I of the Rough Riders on May 12, 1898.
He was a 27 year old cowboy born in Jack County, Texas. He mustered out at Camp Wikoff on Long Island on July 31, 1898. Bennet was also
issued a Krag carbine (sn 27044) that was later sold out of the Raritan Arsenal in 1922. Copies of his muster rolls are included.
This revolver was originally manufactured in 1874 and is identified in the included factory letter using the frame serial number as one of 400
refurbished by Colt and delivered to the inspector at the factory on January 31, 1896. It was converted from a “Cavalry Model” to an “Artillery
Model” at that time by fitting a 5 1/2 inch barrel in place of the original 7 1/2 inch barrel. While most of the revolvers refurbished by Colt
retained matching serial numbers, like most of the converted revolvers, the serial numbers are mixed on this revolver. Kopec theorized the
revolver may have been refurbished a second time following its use by the Rough Riders, possibly at the Manila Arsenal which would explain
the mixed numbers and possibly the blued finish on the frame. He suspected the barrel was replaced again at a later date. It has a partial serial
number starting with “1” and probably ending in “3” or “8.” No address is visible on top, and a “P” is on the bottom. Kopec believes this barrel came of another
1896 Colt refurbished revolver. The frame is numbered “4238” and has the two-line patent marking and “U.S.” on the left side. The trigger guard is also from an
1874 manufactured Cavalry Model and has “4041” and a small “A” sub-inspection mark from Ainsworth. Kopec indicates the nearest revolver in the National Archive records was issued to
Company C of the 8th Cavalry. The cylinder appears to have the partial serial number “377” or “877” and a “P” proof. Kopec noted the small locking notches suggest it was probably off an 1873 or 1874 production Cavalry revolver. The back strap has no visible markings. The hammer is from c. 1906-1910. The grip has “1901” on the left and Rinaldo A. Carr and Odus C. Horney cartouches. The custom display case has a H.W. Sakschek collection seal and display label noting the use by Bennet inside the lid, a “U.S.” marked compass, U.S. medal, key hanging from a chain on a Theodore Roosevelt medallion, cartridge block with six cartridges, and an L-shaped screwdriver.
CONDITION: Good. The barrel has traces of nickel plating and blue finish. The frame retains 90% of the period refinished blue. 25% of the similar blue remains on the front strap around the trigger guard, and there are some traces in sheltered areas of the cylinder and back strap. The balance has mostly smooth gray and brown patina. There are some patches of minor pitting. The hammer and some of the bolt screw are
later replacements. The undersized grip is also good and has moderate scrapes and dings, a faint but visible cartouche, some chips at the corners, and a dark oiled finish. Mechanically fine.
This is great chance to get your hands on an identified Colt Single Action Army used by one of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War!
Provenance: The Buckstix Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 244
Extremely Rare U.S. Model 1902 Krag Bolo Bayonet with Scabbard - Developed in the early 20th
century, the 1902 Bolo Bayonet was one of the U.S. Army’s attempts at a hybrid weapon that could reduce
the loadout an individual soldier had to carry into the field. Intended for use in jungle environments, the
bolo could serve as both a bayonet and a brush clearing tool, as well as being able to serve as an entrenching
tool in a pinch. Noted as making the Krag front-heavy when mounted, the 1902 was generally found to be both a good
brush knife and a functional bayonet. While generally more liked than prior hybrid weapons, development was halted with the introduction of the 1903 Springfield, with its ill-fated integral rod bayonet; while interest was expressed in keeping the 1902 Bolo as a dedicated brush knife, the Army opted to retire it in favor of then-issued standard machetes. 14 5/8 inches overall, with a 10 inch blade dated “1902” on the left ricasso and marked “US” on the right. Standard Krag style bayonet hilt, with bright hardware and smooth grip panels. With a blued steel sheath with a ball tip and 100 degree swiveling steel belt loop.
CONDITION: Fine overall. The blade has been lightly polished, with scattered shallow pitting concentrated on the left side of the blade, minor spotting, and some rounding of the tip. The hilt shows patches of brown patina and minor spotting, with some light dents and scuffs on the wood. The scabbard is also fine, with some patches of spotting and rust, about 60% of the blue finish, mild spotting and dings, and a streaked overcoating of protective varnish. Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 6,500 - 11,000
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