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LOT 1158
Documented Iron Mounted Two Band U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1855 Type
II Percussion Rifle Dated 1859 with Bayonet - NSN, 58 cal., 33 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Model 1855 rifles are described in depth on pages 260-267 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III”, with this exact rifle photographed on page 265 under the description for the Type II variation. According to page 266 of Moller’s book, approximately 3,772 Model 1855 Type II rifles were fabricated at Harpers Ferry c. 1859-1861. Page 265 states, “...the distinction between Type I and Type II arms of the Model 1855 series is generally predicated on the type of rear sight used...” The iron cover assembly is of the same configuration as the Type I rifle. However, the stock recess beneath is oval, without provision for the riflemen’s sight. It is drilled for a spare nipple, and carries the ball screw and wiper.” A limited number of Harpers Ferry Model 1855 rifles saw heavy use throughout the Civil War, and many were destroyed when the factory was burned in 1861. This example has iron fittings, dated “1859” on the lock and barrel tang with the standard front sight/bayonet lug, 500 yard Model 1858 two-leaf rear sight, standard lock and barrel proof markings, marked “112” on the bayonet lug, marked “H/63” on top of the rear band, marked “24” on the barrel tang, and “US” marked on the buttplate tang. Includes a saber bayonet marked “JB” and “47” on the flat of the hilt, brass tipped leather scabbard, leather sling, brass tipped wood tampion, nipple and tools in the buttstock. CONDITION: Very good, bright polish overall with occasional patches of very light pitting and sharp markings. Stock is good with scattered scratches and dents, a chipped section on the right of the barrel tang, and a chip below the lock. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is fine, and scabbard is very good with some mild age related wear. An attractive example of an iron mounted Harpers Ferry Model 1855 Type II rifle that would make a fine addition to any U.S. Martial collection! Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 1159
Exceptional Documented U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1855 Percussion Rifle-Musket Dated 1858 with Long Range Sight and Bayonet - NSN, 58 cal., 40 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Model 1855 rifle-muskets are described in depth on pages 252-259 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III”, with this exact rifle photographed on page 252 and 253 under the description for the Type I variation. The Model 1855 rifle-muskets were the first U.S. martial weapons manufactured for use with .58 caliber Minie bullets and were widely used during the Civil War. Only 59,273 were manufactured c. 1857-1861. The Model 1861 later replaced the Model 1855 due to the Maynard primer’s added expense
and unreliability in rough conditions. Dated “1858” on the lock and barrel tang with the standard front sight/bayonet lug, early long range style rear sight graduated 1-4 on the base and 5-8 on the ladder, all iron fittings aside from the brass forend cap, standard lock and barrel proof markings, oval “SB” (inspector Samuel Byington) and “JAS” (sub-inspector James A. Schaeffer) cartouches on the left flat, “US” and “15” marked on the buttplate tang, and “W.C.K.” (sub-inspector William C. Kirby) stamps by the bolster and between the cartouches on the left flat. Includes a US socket bayonet, leather sling, and brass tipped wood tampion. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining bright polish overall with minimal flash pitting, slight darkening on the top of the hammer, and sharp markings. Stock is very fine with attractive original raised wood grain, a coat of protective varnish, defined edges, scattered light scratches and dents, and nice cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is excellent. An attractive example of a Harpers Ferry Model 1855 Rifle-Musket that would make a fine addition to any U.S. Martial collection! Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 3,750 - 5,500
LOT 1160
Rare Documented Only Known Peterman Philadelphia Smoothbore Percussion Rifle-Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 55 cal., 35 3/4 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. The Peterman rifle-musket is described on pages 569-570 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III”, with this exact musket photographed on page 570. The book states, “A single rifle musket with lock marked ‘PETERMAN’ over ‘PHILa’ is known. It is speculated that it is either a prototype or experimental arm made by Abraham Peterman who was located at 131 Walnut Street in Philadelphia. The reason it might be an experimental arm is that it has a highly finished smooth bore that tapers from .555” at the breech to .560” at the muzzle, and it might be an unfinished experiment in tapering the land diameter rather than the groove diameter, as was standard in U.S. and British rifled muskets. The arm’s mountings are similar to those of the .54 caliber rifle muskets made by Henry Deringer. All metal components are finish bright except for the blued nipple and case-hardened bridle, tumbler, and sear. Most of the metal components are stamped with a
single letter and numeral.”“GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a US socket bayonet marked “136”, leather sling, and wood tampion. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining most of its bright surfaces with scattered light spotting, patches of light pitting, and sharp markings on the lock. Stock is also very fine with some dents and handling marks, a chip at the front edge of the left flat. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very fine. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
ALL RIFLES ON THIS PAGE ARE PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. III BY MOLLER
Collector’s Fact
According to author George Moller, this rare Peterman Philadelphia Rifle-Musket is the only example known, and was possibly produced as an experimental rifle in respect to bore taper.
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