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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. III BY MOLLER
LOT 3176
Rare and Desirable Documented Harpers Ferry Model 1816 Type III Percussion
Musket Dated 1837 with Butterfield’s Patent Self-Priming Pennsylvania Contract Alteration and Bayonet - Serial no. 98, 69 cal., 42 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This is an attractive example of a rare Harpers Ferry Model 1816 flintlock musket altered to Jesse S. Butterfield’s patented pellet primer mechanism. These Pennsylvania contract Butterfield alteration
muskets are described on pages 84-85 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III”, and this musket is shown on page 84. Moller notes that Buttfield was contracted to convert 1,000 muskets on July 2, 1861, for $4.00 each. He made two deliveries of 100 muskets each on September 2 and November 6, 1861. This conversion consisted of installing a new bolster on the end of the barrel. The main conversion consisted of installing a new pellet primer mechanism on the side of the lock. This mechanism had a tube located on the underside that held the “wafer-primer.” Each time the hammer was cocked, it would feed one primer up to a sliding bar located under the hammer that would position it over the nipple. The lock is marked “HARPERS/FERRY/1837” vertically behind the hammer and “BUTTERFIELD’S/PATENT DEC 11, 1855/PHILADA” towards the front. The barrel markings were removed during the conversion. “AB/V” is marked on the left stock flat. Number “98” is marked on the barrel bands, the side escutcheon plate, underbelly of the stock ahead of the trigger guard, inside the lock and its internal components, and on the back of the buttplate. “US” and “6/121” are marked on buttplate tang. Single digit assembly numbers are marked on various components. Includes US socket bayonet and reproduction leather sling. CONDITION: Fine, attractive bright polished surfaces with some very light surface patina, minor flash pitting, some light nicks, and mostly defined markings on the lock. Stock is fine with a period repaired section behind the primer mechanism, scattered light dents, and two pin sized holes from a former plaque on the right rear of the buttstock below traces of a red painted inventory number. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is very good. A musket altered with Butterfield’s patented pellet primer mechanism is considered among the rarest and most desirable of the Civil War conversions. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3177
Exceptional Documented Civil War U.S. Springfield Model 1861 Percussion Rifle- Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 58 cal., 40 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. The Springfield Armory Model 1861 rifle-musket is described on p. 287-290 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III”, and this rifle is featured on p. 287-288. The Springfield Model 1861 rifle-musket was the primary weapon used by the Union infantry during the Civil War. This example is dated “1862” on the lock and barrel and has standard markings. Two circled script inspection cartouches are marked on the left stock flat. A “GDM” collection marked is at the toe. Includes US socket bayonet and period leather sling.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, armory bright polished finish with some very light small patches of surface pitting on areas of the barrel, ramrod, and on the hammer. The rear sight retains 75% of its original blue finish mixed with mottled brown patina. The stock is very fine with defined edges, some occasional light scratches, handling marks, a small chip at the left behind the lock screw, and nice cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is excellent. This exceptional U.S. Springfield M1861 would fill the spot in your Civil War collection quite nicely! Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
rifles” on 8 November 1864 and found that they “...showed off their demerits to good advantage, flashed, fizzled, and
failed famously; enough to secure their condemnation and a speedy exchange to the Springfield rifle.” However, it appears the 16th Michigan carried the rifle
for at least a short time during the Petersburg campaign. This rifle is featured on pages 404 and 406 of “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III” by George Moller. Two circled script “ADK” (Andrew D. King) inspection cartouches are on the left stock flat. A “GDM collection mark is at the toe. Includes a US socket bayonet and leather sling CONDITION: Very fine, retaining mostly armory bright metal surfaces with some scattered patches o
surface oxidation towards the front of the barrel. Stock is fine with scattered dents, a reglued hairline crack
visible on the left of the wrist, some chips, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
Collector’s Fact
Butterfield was contracted to alter 1,000 Pennsylvania state-owned flintlock muskets in 1861. Butterfield made two deliveries, each containing 100 muskets.
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. III BY MOLLER
LOT 3178
Documented Civil War U.S. Lindsay “Two Shot” Model 1863 Double Percussion Rifle-Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 58 cal., 41 1/8 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Approximately 1,000 of these two shot rifle-muskets were manufactured by J.P. Lindsay of New York in 1863-1864. They are known to have been tested by or been issued to the 5th, 16th, and 23rd Michigan and 9th New Hampshire. The 9th tested “the new double-shooting
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. III BY MOLLER
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Collector’s Fact
One of only approximately 1,000 U.S. Lindsay Two Shot percussion rifles produced.
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