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Collector’s Fact
One of only 200 Lindner Patent Hall Model 1819 percussion rifles altered by Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. for New Hampshire at the outbreak of the Civil War.
LOT 1206
Incredibly Rare Documented Lindner Altered Hall Model 1819 Breech Loading Percussion Rifle with Bayonet - Serial no. 200, 52 cal., 32 5/8 inch round bbl., bright/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is one of only 200 Hall Model 1819 rifles reported to have been altered by Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. to Edward Lindner’s patented screw-sleeve percussion breech loading system for the state of New Hampshire at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, as a means of attempting to modernize outdated flintlock Hall rifles in storage. Lindner altered Hall rifles are described in depth on pages 91-94 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III” with this exact rifle photographed on page 92. The book states, “In addition to part of this rifle’s original breech block markings, an alteration serial number, which also serves as a mating number, is stamped into the top of the breech block, stock, and other major action components. The highest observed number is ‘200.’ An acceptance mark of ‘V’ over ‘OD’ is stamped into the stock’s left flat... Because this rifle’s original breech block marking is the year date ‘1830,’ and because it has barrel band retaining springs and U.S. Inspector Otis Dudley’s acceptance mark, it may safely be determined that this particular rifle was one of the first 600 Hall flintlock rifles delivered by Simeon North in 1830 under his contract with the federal government.” Lindner altered Hall rifles are also described in depth on pages 34-42 of Edward Hull’s book “Lindner Carbines and Rifles” in which this exact rifle is photographed on pages 35, 36, and 37. Lindner’s breech loading system utilizes a locking “screw-sleeve” coupling that joins the breech end of the barrel to a tip-up threaded breech block with a chamfered face. To load, the knob on the screw-sleeve is rotated counterclockwise using the right hand, which allows the spring loaded breech block to tip upwards for loading with a combustible paper cartridge or loose powder and ball. Once loaded, the spring loaded breech block is pushed down and held with the left thumb, and the screw-sleeve is rotated clockwise gripping the knob with the right hand; creating a tight gas seal. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes socket bayonet (will not properly mount), leather sling, and wood tampion. This Lindner-Hall rifle is likely one of only a few surviving examples today; the only one witnessed by this writer. CONDITION: Very good, retaining mostly bright surfaces mixed with scattered light surface oxidation and light pitting. Stock is very good with some scratches, dents, chips, and a small crack on the right below the breech. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very fine. An incredibly rare Lindner altered Hall rifle that would make a fine addition to any advanced U.S. Martial collection! Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOKS AMERICAN SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. III BY MOLLER AND LINDNER CARBINES AND RIFLES BY HULL
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