Page 78 - Auction84-Book2

Historic State of Massachusetts Civil War Artifacts
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. III BY MOLLER
LOT 1170
Rare Documented Civil War Model 1841 U.S. Lindner Breech Loading Alteration “Mississippi” Rifle with Bayonet - Serial no. 160, 54 cal., 33 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. U.S. Lindner alteration rifles are described on pages 181-183 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III”, with this exact rifle pictured on page 181 next to the caption, “The 200 Model 1841 rifles altered to the Lindner breechloading system for U.S. service in General Butler’s forces differed from those altered for Massachusetts. Instead of a barrel mounted rear sight, they had a long range rear peep sight mounted through the breech cover.” The alteration of these 200 Model 1841 rifles to Lindners breech loading system was performed in late 1861 by Allen & Morse of Boston. The locking “screw-sleeve” on this rifle is marked “PATENTED/MAR. 29, 1859” on top in reference to Edward Lindner’s U.S. patent number 23,378. Lindner’s breech loading system utilizes a locking “screw-sleeve” coupling that joins the breech end of the barrel to a tip-up threaded breech block with a chamfered face. To load, the knob on the screw-sleeve is rotated counter clockwise using the right hand, which allows the spring loaded breech block to tip upwards for loading with a combustible paper contained cartridge or loose powder and ball. Once loaded, the spring-loaded breech block is pushed down and held with the left thumb, and the screw-sleeve is rotated clockwise gripping the knob with the right hand; creating a tight gas seal. These Lindner conversion rifles have a distinctive reinforcing metal plate, brass on this example, ahead of the trigger guard fixed with a wedged pin. The brass breech cover/upper tang is fitted with a detachable windage adjustable peep sight that would have been mounted at the time of its Lindner alteration. Seven-groove rifling. The breech block is marked “U.S./J.P.C./P” (James P. Chapman, inspector) on top and serial number “160” on the underside. Matching serial number “160” is also marked on the left of the stock hidden beneath the rear barrel band and underneath the brass reinforcing plate. “WINDSOR VT/1850” marked at the tail of the lock and “ROBBINS/&/LAWRENCE/U.S.” at the center. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a Drake pattern socket bayonet, Watervliet Arsenal leather sling, tools and an extra nipple in the patchbox. CONDITION: Very good with scattered moderate pitting and brown patina on the barrel. The breech block and breech coupling are turned to a smooth gray patina with some light pitting, brown patina on the knob, and crisp markings on the breech block. Casehardened lock and hammer turned to a brown patina with crisp markings. Brass fittings retain an attractive golden aged patina. Stock is also very good as lightly arsenal refinished with scattered dings and scratches, chips in the ramrod channel, a small chip on the right ahead of the reinforcing plate, cracks beneath the breech knob (common on these Lindner alterations), two small chips ahead of the lock, a crack/chip above the rear lock screw, and an empty threaded hole on top of the buttstock just ahead of the buttplate. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is good with some light to moderate pitting. An opportunity to own one of the scarcest breech loading rifles of the Civil War! Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 1171
Attractive Framed Civil War Company/Flank 34 Star National Guidon with Subsequent Added 27th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment “God Save the Union” Markings - This 34-star silk national flag has been subsequently marked for the 27th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment by an unknown party. Union infantry regiments during the Civil War were typically issued a national color and state color which were both typically 6 feet by 6 feet 6 inches. Smaller flags, usually of the national pattern, were sometimes issued to each individual company in the regiment as a guidon or at the least to the flank companies to help with organization on a smoke filled battlefield. The 27th Massachusetts was raised in 1861 from the western counties of the state and took place in various minor and major engagements during the war including Roanoke Island, New Bern, Proctor’s Creek, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg, before being mustered out in June of 1865. It is noted that in March of 1865 when the 27th was attacked at Wise’s Forks, nearly their entire brigade was captured after resisting for over an hour against an entire rebel division, and their regimental colors barely avoided capture. This was due to the quick thinking of Color Sergeant McCleary and Color Corporal Cummings who, both wounded, rolled up the colors and hid them under a log where they were later recovered by members of the regiment. It is possible that this guidon was among those hidden colors. Between October 1861 and June 1864 the regiment was issued eight flags (may be only referring to national and state colors), of which three were retained by the state of Massachusetts. In all, 1,543 men served under the colors of the 27th Massachusetts during the Civil War, of which 121 were killed in combat, 132 died in Confederate prison camps, and 68 died of disease. This flag is approximately 31 1/2 inches tall and 33 1/2 inches wide excluding the gold fringe around three sides, and is in a typical 34-star, 13-stripe pattern. In the stripes marked with black is “ABRM. LINCOLN/GOD SAVE THE/UNION/27th Regt. Mass.” There are various holes scattered throughout that have the appearance of battle damage. It is housed in a glass front frame that measures approximately 39 x 39 inches.
CONDITION: Fine as upgraded to current configuration using original flag as basis. Flags and guidons saw heavy use during the Civil War and being made of silk, few examples survived in any condition. The majority of the original color of the silk remains with the mild fading and staining, the staining most visible on the white stripes. More than half of the gold fringe around the edges remains and there are some scattered small holes throughout typical of battle use. The professionally made frame is very fine with some light handling/storage wear. An attractive addition to any Civil War or U.S. martial collection!
Estimate: 2,500 - 5,000
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