Page 162 - Auction84-Book1

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LOT 300
Scarce U.S. Springfield Ward-Burton Model 1871 Bolt Action Trials Rifle with Bayonet - NSN, 50-70 U.S. Govt cal., 32 5/8 inch round bbl., bright/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. The U.S. Model 1871 Ward-Burton was the first bolt
action centerfire rifle used by the U.S. Military. 1,011 of these rifles were manufactured at Springfield Armory with intent for troop field trials to compare against the Trapdoor and Rolling Block rifles. Most of the Ward-Burton rifles were sent West for testing against the elements and harsh nature of the battles during the Indian War era. They were not enthusiastically received by troops due to general unfamiliarity with the bolt action system, issues with dirt finding its way into the bolt lugs, and suffering from many breakages, making these a scarce item for the collector. After trials, the Allin Trapdoor design was ultimately chosen, and the Ward-Burton rifles and carbines were removed from service. Marked with an eagle and “U.S./SPRINGFIELD 1871.” on the left side of the receiver. A bannered script “JWK” (John W. Keene) inspection cartouche is marked ahead of an oval script “ESA” (Erskine S. Allin) inspection cartouche on the left of the stock below the receiver. “US” marked buttplate tang. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes US socket bayonet and period leather sling. CONDITION: Very good with a mostly bright barrel with scattered light pitting and 30% original oil quenched casehardened finish on the receiver flaking to a gray patina. Stock is fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled with some light dents and handling marks, and visible cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is fine with some patches of mild spotting and otherwise sharp edges and markings, and sling is very good with some light aging. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 301 Scarce Springfield/Winchester-Hotchkiss First Model Army Bolt Action Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 830, 45-70 Government cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This First Model Hotchkiss carbine was built using a mix of Winchester and Springfield components and would have been used in early Army field trials. Only 501 are believed to have been manufactured. Many were converted into Second Models in 1881 or otherwise altered and re-issued for additional trials. Table #5 Springfield Research Service list on page 344 of “U.S. Military Bolt Action Rifles” by Bruce Canfield lists this example by serial number as having been shipped from Springfield Armory on June 23rd, 1879. It has “US” and “V/P/eagle head” proof and
inspection marks at the breech, the three-line Winchester address and Hotchkiss patent marking on the left side of the action followed by the serial number, Henry Nettleton “HN.” inspector marks, the distinctive first model magazine cut-off on the right, a correct First Model oval “ESA/1878” inspection cartouche marked next to the saddle ring, and a script “P” proof behind the trigger guard. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. CONDITION: Very good with brown patina overall and 20% original blue finish in protected areas, on the barrel band, trigger guard and buttplate tang. Stock is fine with scattered light scratches and dents, a chip at the toe, and a mostly clear cartouche (top edge faded). Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 302 Springfield U.S. Army Model 1871 Rolling Block Rifle with Bayonet - NSN, 50-70 U.S. Govt cal., 26 inch round bbl., bright/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. Approximately 10,000 U.S. Army Rolling Block rifles were manufactured c. 1871-1872 by Springfield Armory . A faint eagle and shield over “U.S./ SPRINGFIELD/1872” marked on the right receiver side. Blade/bayonet lug front sight and 1,000 yard folding ladder rear sight. Full length stock with circled script “ESA” (Erskine S. Allin) cartouche marked on the left of the wrist, and “US” marked on the buttplate tang. “GDM”, George D. Moller collection marking on the toe. Includes a “US” socket bayonet, leather sling, and wood tampion. CONDITION: Fine, retains 40% plus of the original case colors and the remainder of the metal showing a mostly bright finish with some evidence of mild cleaning overall including some markings softened. The wood is also fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is very good with some mild cleaning. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 303 Indian Wars Era Spencer-Burnside Contract Model 1865 Repeating Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 23540, 50 Spencer cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Most of the Model 1865 Spencer carbines were manufactured in 1865 and 1866 after the end of the Civil War. Many were used during Reconstruction and in the Indian Wars before the Springfield Trapdoors were widely issued. Many Spencers were also used by Native Americans during the Indian Wars including against Custer’s cavalry at Little Bighorn. A large number of Model 1865s were sold as surplus to France for use during the Franco-Prussian War. Spencers were also used in Canada which was still a British colony until made a federal dominion in 1867 and then granted full independence in the 20th century. This example has small inspection
marks, “J.L.C.” (Joseph L. Cottle) inspection initials on the left side of the barrel at the breech, boxed script “SL” (Samuel Leonard) and “GC” (George Curtis) inspection cartouches on the left side of the stock, blade and folding ladder sights, and the Stabler cutoff. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. CONDITION: Very good as arsenal refurbished with smooth mottled brown patina overall and mostly clear markings in the metal. Wood is also very good with attractive raised grain, mostly defined edges, some light chips and scratches, a chip behind the lock, and nice cartouches. Mechanically functions fine, although the magazine tube does not sit flush against the buttplate when locked. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500 LOT 304 Desirable U.S. Army First Model Winchester-Hotchkiss Bolt Action Rifle with Bayonet - Serial no. 419, 45-70 Government cal., 32 1/4 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This rifle is one of around 500 manufactured for the U.S. Army and has traces of a faint, barely legible cartouche ending in “8” (ESA/1878) on the left side of the stock. It has the First Model turn button magazine cut-off located above the trigger guard on the right side. The left side of the receiver is marked with the three-line address/patent markings. The barrel has “US” and “V/P/eagle head” proof and inspection marks at the breech and the Springfield Model 1873 sights. A U.S. socket bayonet with a scabbard and New Jersey hanger along with a Rock Island Arsenal black leather sling are included. CONDITION: Very good with 40% faded original blue finish on the barrel, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, some marks along the top of the barrel and receiver at the breech, and mild overall wear. The stock is good with semi-circular reglued crack visible at the rear of the action and mild scrapes and dings. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500