Page 82 - 83-BOOK3

AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. II BY MOLLER
Extremely Rare Documented Muzzle Loading Rifle - NSN, 62 smoothbore
1/4 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This is one of less than 100 of these distinctive rifles manufactured in the late 1830s. Very, very few are extant today making them incredibly difficult to find and acquire. This is the first we have had the pleasure of cataloging, and we may not see one again for a very long time. It is documented on pages 478-481
LOT 3133
William Jenks
cal., 35
Collector’s Fact
According to author George Moller, this rifle is one of less than only 100 Jenks muzzle loading rifles manufactured.
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. II BY MOLLER
80
of “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period” by George Moller and has his discreet “GDM”
collection mark by the toe that looks like a government inspector mark. Moller’s introduction to the rifle provides excellent details. He wrote: “No contract or delivery information has been located regarding these rifles, but all observed examples bear the inspection and proof markings of U.S. inspectors James Harris and Nahum W. Patch, which indicate at least limited government procurement. Because Ordnance Department procurement for the army during this period is well documented in the National Archives, and because no mention is made of these rifles in those records, it is speculated that a small number may have been procured for firing or shipboard trials by the U.S. Navy, of which a great deal less is known during this 1838-1840 period. It has also been speculated that a quantity of these rifles were procured by the Republic of Texas in 1840. Information in Texas documents concerning the procurement, transportation, and issue of 250 Jenks arms refers to ‘rifles’ and ‘carbines’ at different times. It is possible that both were included.” The rifle has a brass blade front sight, bayonet lug on the underside near the muzzle followed by the “fishtail” bayonet retaining spring, “U” notch rear sight, three barrel bands with a ramrod ferrule on the front band and “5” marked on the right of the rear bands, a leather sling fitted to the swivels on the middle band and front of the trigger guard, “J.H.” and sunken “P” at the breech, “CHICOPEEFALLS CO./MS.” on the rear of the distinctive back action lock, oval “JH” cartouche on the left flat, another faint cartouche by the buttplate tang (likely “NWP” based on Moller’s writing), and rather slender walnut stock. CONDITION: Good as rebored and professionally reconverted to flintlock configuration. The barrel and furniture have mostly gray patina with mild pitting. Artificial brown is visible on the lock plate and the breech section of the barrel. The latter also has artificial “pitting” at the vent and erosion above from use with corrosive percussion caps. The lock has brown patina, patches of mild pitting, a brazed repair at the resting point of the cock, and light buff lines. The stock is also good and has mild scratches and dings, dark oiled finish, a few faint cracks, loss at the breech, and some small flakes and slivers absent at the edges. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 3134
Exceptional Documented U.S. Springfield Model 1816 Type II Flintlock Musket with Bayonet - Serial no. Z 58, 69 cal., 42 inch round bbl., brown finish, walnut stock. Model 1816 muskets were primarily used in conflicts with various Native American groups after the War of 1812. They were also used into the Mexican-American War era and the Civil War, generally after being converted to percussion. Model 1816 Type II muskets are described on pages 421-423 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II” with this exact musket photographed on all three pages, in which the first caption states, “The salient visual feature of the Model 1816 (Type II) musket is the lower sling swivel’s location on the front branch of the trigger guard bow.”The top of this same musket is also photographed on page 409 in which this musket is used as an example to describe the serial numbering system used at the national armories from c. 1817 to the late 1830s. Features a top mounted bayonet stud towards the muzzle, brass blade front sight on the rear strap of the front barrel band, “Z 58” marked on top of the barrel at the breech, diamond shaped condemnation punch mark on the left of the barrel at the breech above “P/eagle head/V” proofs, “1829” date marked on the barrel tang, “SPRING/FIELD/1830” marked at the rear of the lock and “eagle/US” at the center, circled script “ET” (Elisha Toby) inspector cartouche ahead of circled script “A/3” classification stamp, and “RC” marked ahead of a circled script inspection cartouche behind the lower tang. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes US socket bayonet, leather sling and wood tampion. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 75% plus original brown finish on the barrel and fittings with some areas of light flaking. Retains 85% plus original case colors on the lock and hammer. Stock is very fine with defined edges, some light scratches, dents, chips, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very fine. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000