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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS VOLUME III BY MOLLER
LOT 1161
Scarce Documented U.S. Springfield Model 1855 Percussion Rifled Carbine -
NSN, 54 cal., 22 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Only 1,022 of these carbines were manufactured in 1855-1856. They are the only Model 1855 series arms not equipped with the Maynard primer system and were also typically .54 caliber rather than .58. Model 1855 Springfield carbines are described on pages 268-272 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III”, with this exact carbine photographed on pages 268 and 270. The barrel has blade front and three-leaf rear sight (absent middle leaf ), a ring on the bottom attached with a swivel mounted ramrod, “V/P/eagle head” proofs at the breech, and “1856” on the tang. The lock has the federal eagle motif over “US” at center and “SPRING/FIELD/1855” at the tail. The trigger guard has the distinctive large sling ring on the rear of the bow. Aside from the brass forend cap, the furniture is iron, and the buttplate tang is marked “US”. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. CONDITION: Good, retaining bright surfaces, partially visible eagle on the lock, and some light scratches. Stock is good with numerous scattered dings, chips, scratches, and filled in repairs. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 1162
U.S. Springfield Model 1855 Percussion Pistol-Carbine with Shoulder Stock - NSN, 54 cal., 12 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 of these distinctive dual purpose weapons in 1855-1857. They are one of only three handguns manufactured at Springfield with intent to provide the U.S. Cavalry and Dragoon regiments with
weapons that could be used as carbines for dismounted action and as pistols for use on horseback. The results were less than satisfactory, and they were also already rather outdated from their inception given Colt’s Dragoon series which could also mount shoulder stocks but offered more shots and functioned better as handguns. Nonetheless, they are known to have been used into the Civil War, including by Confederate forces. This example is dated “1855” on the lock and barrel tang, and has standard markings and features. “5” is marked on the rear of the pommel cap. Included shoulder stock is marked “4” on the underside of the joint piece and “US” on the buttplate tang. CONDITION: Good with scattered moderate pitting, and clear markings on the lock. The pistol stock is very good as lightly sanded and re-oiled with light dents and scratches, and a hairline crack visible on the right of the grip. The shoulder stock is very good with scattered light dents and scratches. All brass fittings retain a pleasing aged patina. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 1163
Cast Brass Cannon with “The War That Made America” Motto and Iron Carriage - This 20th century cast brass cannon measures at approximately 23 inches from the muzzle to end of the ball. “The War That Made America” is cast in raised letters on top of the cannon tube, in reference to the French and Indian War. There is no vent hole, but the bore is drilled out and measures at just under an inch. The carriage is iron and measures 27 inches long with 14 inch diameter iron wheels. CONDITION: Very fine overall with attractive bright brass, and some light paint chips on the carriage and wheels. Provenance: The Richard P. Mellon Collection. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 1164
Exceptional U.S. Ames Model 1832 Foot
Artillery Sword, Dated 1855 with Scabbard and
Belt - Patterned after a French design, the Model
1832 was intended to serve as a utility tool as much
as a defensive weapon, with a heavy weight blade
suitable for chopping brush to build barricades or
clear a path for a cannon. Sword measures 25 1/8
inches long overall, with a 19 1/8 inch straight triple
fuller blade, bearing the two-line Ames address on
one side and “U.S./1855” on the reverse. Single piece
brass hilt with “A.D.K.” (Andrew D. King) and “R.H.K.W.” (Robert Henry Kirkwood Whiteley) inspection initials marked on the guard, scaled grip and American Eagles on the pommel. Includes a brass fitted black leather scabbard, and multi-piece white butt belt, fitted with a two-piece round brass “US” buckle.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, blade retains mostly bright surfaces overall with some
areas of light pitting. All brass surfaces retain an attractive original golden aged patina. The leather is very fine with minor cracks visible. The belt is also very fine with some light aging. Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
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