Page 95 - 83-BOOK3

LOT 3149
U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1855 Percussion Rifle-Musket with Long Range Sight and Bayonet - NSN, 58 cal., 40 inch round bbl., brown/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. The Model 1855 rifle-muskets were the first U.S.
martial weapons manufactured for use with .58 caliber Minie bullets and were widely used during the Civil War. Only 59,273 were manufactured c. 1857-1861.
The Model 1861 later replaced the Model 1855 due to the Maynard primer’s added expense and unreliability in rough conditions. Dated “1857” on the tail of the lock and “1858” (faint) on the barrel tang with the standard front sight/bayonet lug, early long range style rear sight graduated 1-4 on the base and 5-8 on the ladder, all iron fittings aside from the brass forend cap, standard lock and barrel proof markings, “US” marked buttplate tang, and “AJ” inspector initials marked behind the lower tang. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a US socket bayonet, leather sling, and brass tipped wood tampion. CONDITION: Very good, retaining 30% dark arsenal refurbished brown finish on the barrel with the balance a brown patina, some light muzzle wear from bayonet mounting, mild flash pitting and wear at the breech. 70% arsenal refurbished case colors remain on the lock with some light pitting, and mostly dark patina on the blued hammer and tape primer door. Stock is fine with some light scratches and small repaired sections on both ends of the lock. Mechanically fine, the rear click of the hammer is slightly stiff. Included bayonet is very good. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
LOT 3150
Civil War U.S. Lamson, Goodnow and Yale Special Model 1861 Contract Percussion Rifle-Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 58 cal., 40 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Approximately 50,020 Special Model 1861 rifle-muskets were manufactured by Lamson, Goodnow and Yale of Windsor, Vermont, in 1862-1864, with features inspired by the British Pattern 1853. When compared with the Springfield Model 1861 preceding this model, these Special Model 1861 rifle-muskets had a shorter nipple bolster with a straight vent and convex-surfaced bands that would be incorporated into the later regulation Model 1863 and Model 1864 rifle-muskets. Special Model 1861 rifle-muskets were
only manufactured by three different contractors, not including Springfield. This example has standard markings and features including a lock marked “U.S./L.G-&Y./WINDSOR-Vt”. The lock and barrel are both dated 1864. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a Collins & Company marked US socket bayonet, leather sling faintly marked “OHIO”, and wood tampion. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining much of it’s attractive Armory bright polish with crisp markings, and some scattered patches of light pitting on the barrel and lock. Stock is excellent with attractive original raised wood grain, some light handling marks, and distinct edges. Mechanically excellent. Included Collins socket bayonet is very fine, retaining 20% plus original blue finish concentrated on the top half of the blade with Armory bright surfaces exposed on the balance, and some light pitting. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
American made and imported parts to fulfill U.S. government contracts for arms early in the Civil
War. This example has three barrel bands. It shows the standard markings including the “eagle/M/shield” behind the hammer, “1862” in front of the hammer,
and a script “ETU” on the left of the barrel near the breech. This rifle-musket is among a few that are recognized as true “American Enfields” and a welcome addition to any Civil War collection. Moore “Long Enfield” rifle-muskets are described in depth on pages 409-413 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III”. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes leather sling and wood tampion. CONDITION: Very good, smooth gray surfaces overall, some light flash pitting, and mostly clear markings. Stock is very fine with defined edges, scattered light scratches, a small chip at the top front of the lock, and a crack behind the rear lock screw escutcheon. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
the Union during the American Civil War. In fact, the Pattern 1853 “Enfield” is said to be the second most widely used rifle of the war. Solid front sight for mounting a socket bayonet, and 900 yard ladder rear sight. The barrel has the standard double 25 bore size marks indicating .577 caliber. “29” is marked ahead of the trigger guard tang, and “LSM” is marked in the lower tang. Includes a socket bayonet, leather sling, and brass tipped wood tampion. CONDITION: Fine, retaining 40% original blue finish on the barrel mixed with mottled brown patina and some light pitting on the bands and at the breech. The lock and hammer are turned to a brown patina with light pitting. Wood is also fine with scattered dings, dents, and scratches. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very fine with a bright blade and very light surface pitting. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 3151 Scarce U.S. Moore “Long Enfield” Percussion Rifle-Musket - NSN, 58 cal., 39 inch round bbl., brown finish, walnut stock. One of approximately 1,280 Moore “Long Enfield” rifle-muskets purchased by the U.S. government in 1862. Previously often misidentified as Confederate arms, these are now widely accepted as being assembled in New York by John P. Moore with a mixture of
Collector’s Fact
According to author George Moller, approximately only 1,280 Moore “Long Enfield” rifle muskets were purchased by the U.S. Government.
LOT 3152
Civil War Era LSM Marked Tower Pattern 1853 Enfield Percussion Rifle-Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 577 cal., 39 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The lock is marked “TOWER/1862” at the front and St. Edward’s Crown without the “VR” below at the rear indicating this was a commercial arm, not one accepted by the British government. Many British companies exported rifles for use by both the Confederacy and
93