Page 61 - Auction84-Book2

LOT 1108
Documented U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1803 Flintlock Rifle Dated 1814 - NSN, 54 cal., 32 7/8 inch part octagon bbl., brown finish, walnut stock. Harpers Ferry Armory manufactured approximately 15,700 Type II Model 1803 rifles between 1814-1820. The U.S. Model 1803 was the first truly military rifle issued by the U.S. government. Prior rifles were basically civilian American long rifles purchased from gunmakers, but this model was designed and manufactured at the Harper’s Ferry Arsenal. It is also distinct from the rifles that followed thanks to its half-stock configuration and under-rib on the barrel. Altogether they are unique and historically significant U.S. martial arms. Model 1803 Type II Harpers Ferry rifles are described on pages 341-346 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume II” with this exact rifle pictured on pages 343 and its lock pictured on page 344 next to the caption, “During 1814 a lock plate with a simple point at the rear was introduced. The notch at the front of the cock’s tang was deleted, and the frizzen spring was given a teardrop-shaped finial. The lock plates of Model 1803 (Type II) rifles are stamped with a somewhat smaller eagle than the (Type I), and the ‘US’ is within the shield covering the eagle’s body. The cock’s jaw screw is probably a replacement.” Features include seven-groove rifling, low profile brass blade front and notch rear sights, a “wedding band” at the transition point, sunken “US” and “eagle head/P” proofs marked on the upper left barrel flat at the breech, an “eagle” containing a “US” marked shield at the center of the lock, “HARPERS/FERRY/1814” (partially faded) on the tail of the lock, brass furniture, and an iron ramrod with flared tip. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes tool inside the patch box. CONDITION: Good as reconverted to flintlock configuration with gray patina overall, scattered moderate pitting, and some faded markings in the metal. Stock is good as sanded and re-oiled with some light scratches, slightly undersized behind the barrel, minor chips behind and forward of the lock, and a repaired section ahead of the buttplate tang and at the toe. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 1109
War of 1812 Era U.S. Springfield Model 1795 Type III Flintlock Musket Dated 1810 - NSN, 69 cal., 43 1/4 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. The Model 1795 Musket represents many firsts in U.S. martial arms including the first standardized and official model of musket manufactured for the U.S. military and was based on the French “Charleville” Model 1766 muskets widely used during the American Revolution. Model 1795s saw heavy use during the War of 1812. Type III Model 1795s are dated from 1809 to 1814 with this example dated “1810” on the tail of the lock and the buttplate tang. The lock has a script “US/eagle/SPRINGFIELD” at the center. The top of the barrel is stamped “US” (faint) and “VT” (very faint) and the left side of the barrel is stamped with “P/eagle head/V” proofs (faint). CONDITION: Good with some scattered light pitting and brown patina. The barrel has been shortened about one inch from the muzzle. Stock is also good as lightly sanded and varnished with some light scratches, a small cracked section ahead of the lock, a repaired section behind the lock, and some chips behind the barrel tang. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 1110
War of 1812 Era Steven Jenks & Sons U.S. 1808 Contract Flintlock Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 69 cal., 44 5/8 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Steven Jenks & Sons of Providence, Rhode Island, were awarded a U.S. government contract for 4,000 muskets on October 25th, 1808; of which 3,925 are reported to have been delivered between 1810-1814, with the last 75 withheld by Jenks as compensation he believed was due to him by the government. Jenks was among nineteen firms contracted to manufacture muskets authorized by an act of Congress in 1808 due to fears of war with European powers. These muskets would have been rushed into use during the War of 1812. “JENKS/RI” marked vertically on the tail of the lock with an eagle and shield motif above “US” marked at the center of the lock. “US” ahead of raised letters “CT” in a sunken oval above a “V” marked at the left quarter of the breech. Bordered “V” over “CW” inspection cartouche of Charles Williams marked on the left stock flat. “I.G” inspection initials marked in the stock behind the lower tang. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a US socket bayonet (does not fit, too tight) and reproduction leather sling. CONDITION: Good with scattered light to moderate pitting mixed with dark patina. Stock is very good with mostly defined edges, scattered light scratches, a few chips in the ramrod channel, a crack ahead of and behind the lock, a chip ahead of the lock, a few chips at the toe, and crisp markings in the wood. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very good with some scattered light pitting. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500 LOT 1111 War of 1812 Era William and John Henry U.S. 1808 Contract Flintlock Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 69 cal., 45 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. One of approximately 4,500 reported to have been delivered by William and John J. Henry circa 1809-1812 under a 10,000 gun U.S. Government contract, based on the Harpers Ferry Armory pattern Model 1795 muskets. “Eagle/US” marked at the center of the lock and “W. HENRY/NAZH” (last two letters obliterated) marked vertically in an arch behind the hammer. “Eagle head/CT” proof on the left of the breech as typically seen on these 1808 contract muskets. “V/JS” inspection cartouche of Jacob Shough marked on the left stock flat. 3 inches back from the muzzle the remaining length of the bore is a smaller diameter than the standard .69 caliber. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a socket bayonet and reproduction leather sling. CONDITION: Good with mild flash pitting, scattered light pitting, and some dings on the rear letters of the lock. Stock is also good with scattered scratches and dents, a small crack ahead of the lock, absent sections behind the lock, and a 1 1/2 inch crack on the left of the buttplate, touch hole has been opened up extensively either in an effort to demill or make into a lamp for quite possibly a cord to run through. Mechanically functions, although hammer does not stay cocked. Included bayonet is good with scattered mild pitting. Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS VOL. II BY MOLLER
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500 59