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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. III BY MOLLER
LOT 1207
Rare Documented One of Two Known Prototype Serial Number 1 Schalk Percussion Rifle-Musket with Bayonet - Serial no. 1, 58 cal., 40 1/8 inch round bbl., brown/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. This exceptionally rare prototype George Schalk rifle- usket along with its bayonet is pictured and
m
Collector’s Fact
According to author George Moller, this extremely rare, serial number 1, Rifle-Musket is one of only two known
to be fabricated by George Schalk.
. .
identified in George D. Moller’s “American Military Shoulder Arms, Vol. III” on pages 570-574. Per Moller, this rifle-musket is only one of two prototypes fabricated by George Schalk, a German immigrant who settled in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, in 1854 where is made fine sporting rifles along with high quality violins. Schalk made the two prototypes for Rufus A. Wilder in the
summer of 1861. Both prototypes have survived and are numbered 1 and 2 This example is no. 1, and, like no. 2, is incomplete. Note both barrel bands are drilled for retaining screws, but the stock has not been drilled for screws Wilder invented several of the features demonstrated on the prototypes which he offered to the U.S. government. The design was turned down likely
due to the Union’s high demand for Springfield pattern rifles at the outbreak of the Civil War. The included sword socket bayonet mounts to the underside of the barrel. The way in which the bayonet mounts to the rifle is highly innovative. As Moller notes, “The bottom location eliminates the twisting effect caused by the weight of a heavy side mounted bayonet, when the arm is being aimed. Because of the bayonet’s location, the ramrod channel was moved to the left side of the forestock. An extension of the bayonet catch stud, brazed to the underside of the barrel, also engages a corresponding mortise in the upper band, to prevent its rotation. The front sight is mounted on this band.” It also features a modified Model 1817 rifle lock, German style tangent leaf rear sight, and “G SCHALK POTTSVILLE 1861” stamped on top of the barrel. The barrel, trigger guard, buttplate and barrel bands were browned. The lock, hammer, breech plug and side plate were casehardened. The number 1 is stamped on the lock plate, side plate, several screws, barrel tang, barrel, barrel bands and buttplate tang. CONDITION: Very good with the metal surfaces having a dark mottled patina. There is deep pitting on the buttplate. The stock is fine with a repaired chip at the toe and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. As one of only two known this prototype Schalk percussion rifle-musket is a must have for the serious U.S. 19th century militaria collector. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 1208
Scarce Roberts Breech Loading Conversion of a U.S. Springfield Model 1861 Rifle-Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 58 CF cal., 40 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. These rifle-muskets were converted by Providence Tool Company in 1869-1870 to the Roberts breech loading system with a tipping block for the Roberts Breechloading Arms Co. of New York City. The design, patent number 65,607 dated June 11th, 1867, was invented by Brigadier General Benjamin S. Roberts. 5,000 of these were originally intended for the New York National Guard but were ultimately sold to the State of South Carolina after the legislature in New York failed to appropriate the necessary funds, with quantities sold to and used heavily by France and Mexico. After a long service life, many of these rifles reportedly suffered a high loss rate due to breaking parts and thus surviving examples, especially those in high condition like this one, are very rare and desirable. It has the standard Civil War era rifle-musket sights and furniture, an “1864” dated Springfield lock, and casehardened breech marked “ROBERT’S PAT/JUNE. 11. 1867” on the left. Pulling up on the lever opens the breech and cocking the hammer pulls back on a tab on the lever and closes the breech. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes US socket bayonet, leather sling, and wood tampion. Reference the book “Roberts Breechloading Firearms,” and pages 194-195 of “Peabody Firearms,” both by Edward Hull, for information on these Roberts conversions. CONDITION: Fine, bright surfaces with some areas of light pin-prick pitting, and muted patterns of original case colors on the otherwise smooth lock with sharp markings. Stock is also fine with defined edges, a few chips on the left side below the barrel and edges of the ramrod channel, and minimal handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is fine with scattered spotting. This is an attractive example of a scarce Roberts conversion rifle-musket that would make a fine addition to any advanced U.S. Military collection! Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000 165