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Collector’s Fact
Only approximately 1001 E.G. Lamson & Co. Palmer carbines were produced.
LOT 1196
Excellent and Scarce Civil War E. G. Lamson & Co. Palmer
Bolt Action Carbine - NSN, 50 RF cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
stock. The Palmer carbine holds the distinction of being the first metallic cartridge bolt action firearm ever adopted by the U.S. Ordnance Department and among the first bolt action firearms accepted by any
military. The bolt does not contain a firing pin and is simply used to seat the cartridge and seal the breech. It
fires with a traditional side lock. Approximately 1,001 of these carbines were ordered by the U.S. government on 20 June
1864, none were delivered until June of the following year however, meaning they arrived too late to see action during the Civil War. It has the standard markings and features. Small “MM” (Miles Moulton) inspector initials marked on the
left of the breech, left stock flat and top of rear of the stock. A circled script “MM” cartouche on the left stock
flat. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes wood tampion.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 85% original plum blue finish and 95% bright attractive original case colors
on the lock plate, and 75% on the trigger guard. The wood is also excellent with defined edges, a few light dings and scratches, two pin holes from a plaque on the right rear, and a sharp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. This is an outstanding example of a scarce Civil War carbine, significant in the development of military arms as well as firearms in general, and would be a welcomed addition to any collection.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 1197
Excellent Civil War Burnside Fifth Model Breech
Loading Percussion Carbine - Serial no. 18611, 54 cal., 21 inch round bbl.,
blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. These “Fifth Model” Burnside carbines represent
the completion of the evolution of General Ambrose Burnside’s ingenious carbine design.
Unfortunately for Burnside, he profited little, if at all, from his well-known design because he sold his shares before
the company received sizable government contracts. The outbreak of the Civil War led to the purchase of over 50,000 Burnside carbines. They were the third most purchased breech loading carbine during the war, after only the Sharps and the
Spencer. This example has standard markings and features. Matching serial numbers on the frame and breech block. Left wrist marked with two crisp boxed inspector cartouches “EPR” and “RKW”. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes wood tampion.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 95% plus original blue finish on the barrel with a patch of scratches visible at the muzzle end, 90% bright original nitre blue finish on the lever and tangs with some flaking on the lower tang, and 98% vibrant original case colors on the frame and lever latch, with very light freckling. Wood is also excellent with defined edges, a patch of
scrapes underneath the forearm, some light handling marks, and exceptionally crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. An absolutely stunning Civil War Burnside carbine that appears to have seen little if any use at all!
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 1198
Excellent Civil War American Machine Works Smith Breech Loading
Percussion Carbine - Serial no. 9002, 50 cal., 21 5/8 inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
stock. Reportedly 30,362 Smith carbines were purchased by the United States Government throughout the Civil
War from 1861-65. Some of these carbines were issued to the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry, who served as part of George Armstrong Custer’s
3rd Division and played a pivotal role in the Battle of Moorefield in 1864. Standard markings and features including a blue barrel
with blade front and ladder rear sight. The left side of the casehardened receiver is fitted with a sling bar and ring. The barrel has an
“L.F.R” inspection mark on the left at the breech. Left of the stock wrist marked with circled script “LFR” and “JH” cartouches. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes wood tampion.
CONDITION: Excellent with 85% plus original blue finish with some light mottled brown patina on the band and trigger guard, 95% vivid original case colors on the frame, with the buttplate turned an even brown patina. The wood is very fine and has smooth oiled finish, some light chips at the edges of the buttplate and at the toe, and a few minor dents. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
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