Page 83 - Auction84-Book2
P. 83

 LOT 1179
Very Scarce Harpers Ferry Type IA Alteration U.S. Model 1841 Percussion “Mississippi Rifle” with Screw Pattern Long Range Rear Sight and Snell Saber Bayonet - NSN, 54 cal., 33 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Harpers Ferry Type IA alteration Model 1841 rifles are described on pages 141-142 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III” in which it states, “590 new rifles were fabricated in this configuration in fiscal 1855. It is believed that most were altered during the second half of calendar 1854.” The picture caption on page 142 states, “Harpers Ferry (Type IA) alterations have muzzles grooved for Snell saber bayonets. These rifles retained their original upper barrel bands.” This example also features the desirable Type I screw pattern long range ladder rear sight. “HARPERS/FERRY/1847” marked at the tail of the lock and an eagle/shield motif above “US” marked at the center of the lock. “1853” (faint) dated barrel tang. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a Snell ring-type pattern brass handled saber bayonet, of which only 1,646 of these bayonets are reported to have been manufactured at Harpers Ferry Armory in the year 1855. These bayonets use a thumbscrew locking system mounted at the muzzle ring. Also includes a Watervliet Arsenal leather sling, tools and an extra nipple in patchbox. CONDITION: Very good with smooth gray patina, scattered light pitting, a replacement hammer screw, and crisp lock markings. Attractive golden aged patina on the brass fittings. Stock is also very good with scattered scratches and dents. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very good with some scattered light pitting on the otherwise bright blade with sharp edges, and attractive golden aged patina on the brass handle. Sling is very good. A very scarce Harpers Ferry Type IA alteration U.S. Model 1841 rifle with Snell pattern bayonet that would make a fine addition to any U.S. Martial or Civil War collection! Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1180
Documented State of New York Remington Alteration U.S. 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. E. Remington & Sons manufactured approximately 10,000 Model
1841 rifles between 1850-1854, with most of these rifles receiving various alterations. Remington alteration Model 1841 rifles for New York are described on pages 161-162 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III” with the muzzle end of this exact rifle pictured on page 161 next to the caption, “The Remington alteration of New York State’s Model 1841 rifles consisted of a bayonet stud without a guide key brazed to the right side of the barrel.” The same page of the book states, “On April 25, 1861, the Ordnance Department issued the state of New York 5,000 Model 1841 rifles made under U.S. contract by E. Remington & Sons of Ilion, New York... On May 30, 1861, the state of New York
contracted with E. Remington & Sons to alter these 5,000 rifles to accept saber bayonets. On June 4, this contract was modified to allow Remington to braze the bayonet
stud to the barrel.” The bayonet stud on this example is marked with number “27”. “REMINGTON’S/HERKIMER/N.Y.” marked at the center of the lock in front of the hammer and “U.S./1849” vertically behind the hammer. “U.S./JH/P” marked upper left breech end of the barrel and “STEEL” marked on the left barrel flat. “1853” dated barrel tang. Two bordered script inspection cartouches including “WAT” (William A. Thornton) are stamped on the left stock flat. “U.S.” marked buttplate tang. Brown barrel, casehardened lock and hammer, and brass mountings. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes an 1861 dated Collins & Company brass handled saber bayonet marked with number “18” on the flat of the handle, brass tipped leather scabbard (absent brass end cap), period leather sling, tool and an extra nipple inside the patchbox. CONDITION: Very good with mottled dark patina and some scattered light pitting. Stock is also very good with some light scratches, a crack ahead of the rear lock screw, a small chip ahead of the lock, a mild chip below the lock, and nice cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very good with sharp edges and some light pitting on the blade with attractive golden aged patina on the brass, scabbard is good with some cracking of the leather and absent brass end cap as noted above, sling is very good with some light cracking. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 1181
State of New Hampshire Alteration Robbins, Kendall & Lawrence U.S. 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. Approximately 10,000 Model 1841 Rifles were manufactured by
Robbins, Kendall & Lawrence in Windsor, Vermont from 1845-1848. This example is one of approximately 961 Robbins & Lawrence Model 1841 rifles altered by an unknown party on contract with the state of New Hampshire with a bayonet lug on the right side of the barrel to accept a saber bayonet. The lug is affixed to the barrel with a screw through the foot and through the guide key, and marked with mating number “87”. The lock is marked “WINDSOR VT./1847” at the tail and “ROBBINS/KENDALL &/LAWRENCE/US” at the center. “1847” (faint) dated barrel tang. “US/JAG/P” marked on top of the breech. Two bordered script inspection cartouches marked on the left flat including “WAT” (William A. Thornton). The name “W C Patten” is carved on the inside of the brass patchbox door. A June of 1863 New Hampshire Civil War draft record has been located for a 44 year old William C. Patten, a very likely candidate of the aforementioned carving. “U.S” marked buttplate tang. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. New Hampshire alteration Model 1841 rifles are described on pages 160-161 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III”. Includes an
Ames brass handled saber bayonet marked “777” on the flat of the handle, period leather sling, and tools in the patch box. CONDITION: Good with mottled brown and gray patina on the iron surfaces, some light to moderate pitting, and crisp lock markings. Brass retains an attractive golden aged patina. Stock is very good with mostly defined edges, scattered dents and scratches, some mild gouges on both sides of the forend and on top of the wrist, a crack and a chip ahead of the rear lock screw, a crack ahead of the lock, a crack and a chip behind the lock, and some chips behind the barrel tang. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very good with some light to moderate pitting on the blade, sling is also very good with some light age related cracking. Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
         AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. III BY MOLLER
       Collector’s Fact
Approximately only 961 Robbins & Lawrence 1841 Rifles were altered on contract with the state of New Hampshire.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750 81
 



















































































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