Page 82 - Auction84-Book2

AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. III BY MOLLER
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. III BY MOLLER
IV
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. III BY MOLLER
80
LOT 1176
Documented U.S. Harpers Ferry Type IIA Regraduated Alteration Model 1841 Percussion “Mississippi Rifle” with Saber Bayonet - NSN, 54 cal., 33 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The Model 1841 is the first official percussion
rifle adopted by the U.S. Military. Harpers Ferry Armory manufactured 25,296 Model 1841 rifles between 1846 and 1855, with most of these rifles receiving various alterations. Harpers Ferry Type IIA regraduated alteration Model 1841 rifles are described on pages 144-145 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III”, with the rear sight of this exact rifle pictured on page 144 next to the caption, “In the Spring of 1855, the Type IIA slide pattern rear sights were regraduated, thereby creating the Type IIA regraduated rear sight. A careful examination of this base shows a portion of the original markings.” The same page states, “In an attempt to make the slide pattern tangent leaf rear sights more uniform throughout the Army, the chief of ordnance ordered that the rifles that had been equipped with (Type IIA) slide pattern tangent leaf rear sights and issued to the Fourth and Sixth infantry regiments at Fort Monroe, Carlisle Barracks, and other military units, be regraduated to correspond with the (Type IIB) sights on the rifles issued to the Ninth and Tenth infantry regiments. The regraduations were made during the summer and fall of 1855.” The leaf is graduated from ‘5’ to ‘10’ on its upper surface, and ‘10’ at the end. The same page states, “Some of the 449 new rifles fabricated at Harpers Ferry in fiscal 1855 may have been of this configuration. It is believed that rifles of this configuration were issued to the Sioux expedition and to the Fourth and Sixth infantry regiments.”“1851”dated lock and “1852” dated barrel tang. “E.71” marked buttplate tang. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes brass handled saber bayonet, period leather sling, tools and an extra nipple in the patch box. CONDITION: Very good overall with scattered patches of light pitting, and crisp markings in the metal. Brass retains an attractive golden aged patina. Stock is good as sanded and re-oiled with scattered light scratches and dents, a chip behind the rear band, and a small crack ahead of the rear side plate screw. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very good with some light pitting on the blade and attractive golden aged patina on the brass handle. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 1177
Documented New Jersey Marked U.S. Harpers Ferry Type IV Alteration Model 1841 Percussion “Mississippi Rifle” with Saber Bayonet - NSN, 58 cal., 33 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The Model 1841 is the first official percussion rifle adopted by the U.S. Military. Harpers Ferry Armory manufactured 25,296 Model 1841 rifles between 1846 and 1855, with most of these rifles receiving various alterations. Harpers Ferry Type
alteration Model 1841 rifles are described on pages 148-149 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III”, with the lock of this exact rifle pictured on page 148 next to the caption, “Harpers Ferry Type IV altered rifles were equipped with the Model 1858 rifle leaf sight.” Page 148 also states, “In fiscal 1860, 1,071 rifles were altered to this configuration, then reamed up and rerifled in .58 caliber.” The muzzle end of this exact rifle is pictured on page 149 next to the caption, “Harpers Ferry Type IV altered rifles were equipped with the high Model 1855 rifle front sight and bayonet lugs without guide keys.” Page 169 of the book states, “Pursuant to the terms of the U.S. Militia Act of 1808, the federal government issued 1,019 Model 1841 rifles to the state of New Jersey between 1850 and 1854. Two hundred and fifty Model 1841 rifles altered to long-range configuration with sword bayonets were issued to New Jersey between 1856 and 1860.”“1848” dated lock and barrel tang. “N.J” (New Jersey) inspection mark on the left barrel flat at the breech and two circled script “N.J” inspection cartouches marked on the left flat. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a brass US handled saber bayonet with “US” marked blade and “JB” inspection initials marked on the flat of the brass handle, Watervliet Arsenal leather sling, tools and an extra nipple in the patch box. CONDITION: Good with scattered light pitting and nice markings in the bright metal. Brass fittings retain an attractive golden aged patina. Wood is also good with raised grain, scattered scratches, dents, and chips including one at the toe. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is good with mottled brown patina and scattered light pitting on the blade, and attractive golden aged patina on the brass handle. Sling is very good with some light cracking. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 1178
Documented U.S. Harpers Ferry Type III Alteration Model 1841 Percussion “Mississippi Rifle” with Saber Bayonet - NSN, 54 cal., 33 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The Model 1841 is the first official percussion rifle adopted by the U.S. Military. Harpers Ferry Armory manufactured 25,296 Model 1841 rifles between 1846 and 1855, with most of these
rifles receiving various alterations. Harpers Ferry Type III alteration Model 1841 rifles are described on pages 147-148 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III”, with this exact rifle pictured on page 147 next to the caption, “The Harpers Ferry Type III alteration of the Model 1841 rifle was equipped with the Model 1855 long-range rear sight. This rear sight was attached to the barrel by a mortise and spanner screw.” Approximately 4,500 Model 1841 rifles are believed to have been altered to the Type III configuration. The leaf is graduated from “6” to “9” on its upper surface. “1851” dated lock and barrel tang. “WCK” (William C. Kelly) inspection initials marked on the right breech flat. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes brass handled saber bayonet, period leather sling, tools and an extra nipple in the patch box. CONDITION: Very good, retaining most of the refinished rust blue finish on the barrel over some light pitting. Lock turned to a gray with some light pitting and crisp markings. Brass retains an attractive golden aged patina. Stock is very fine as re-oiled with defined edges, some light scratches and handling marks, an absent sliver on the left of the buttplate tang, and crisp inspection marking on the left flat. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very good with some scattered light pitting and attractive golden aged patina on the brass handle, sling is good with some light cracking and a slightly torn section. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500