Page 97 - Auction84-Book2

LOT 1221 Desirable Sharps Model 1853 Slant Breech Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 15124, 52 cal., 21 3/4 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This model was manufactured from 1854 to 1857 and is famous as the model used by John Brown and his band of abolitionists in Kansas and during the famous raid on Harper’s Ferry. They are also known as “Beecher’s Bibles” after noted minister Henry Ward Beecher was quoted in the “N.Y. Tribune” of February 1856 stating there was more moral power in one Sharps carbine than 100 Bibles. This carbine falls within the serial number range associated with John Brown but is not one of the carbines identified in Frank Seller’s “Sharps Firearms” as connected to the raid. It is still possible it was used by Brown’s “army” as not all of the carbines were identified. The barrel has a blade front and a notch and folding ladder rear sight. There are standard patent markings on the upper tang and lock plate, a long sling bar with ring mount to the frame and left side of the barrel band, and brass furniture including a patch box. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials are marked at the toe of the stock. CONDITION: Very good with mottled brown patina on the iron, spots of mild pitting, tool marks at the breech, attractive aged patina on the brass, replaced front sight, and mild overall wear. The wood is also very good and has scattered dings and scratches, some thin cracks around the tang mortises, and general mild wear. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 1222
Very Fine U.S. Civil War Smith’s Patent Breech Loading Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 18462, 50 cal., 21 5/8 inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. These Smith carbines were manufactured by Massachusetts Arms Company, Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts and were considered to be one of the most important Federal Cavalry carbines. Designed by Gilbert Smith, the production of this breech loading percussion carbine was almost entirely consumed by government contracts, with only limited numbers going to the civilian market. A total of 30,362 Smith carbines were purchased by the United States during the Civil War. Smith carbines were considered to be accurate and
reliable weapons. Standard three sets of markings on the left side of the frame. Matching serial number on the receiver and barrel. Dovetail brass blade front sight and folding leaf rear sight correctly absent of yard markings. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip walnut stock with a steel carbine buttplate. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 80% original blue finish on the barrel with some light thinning and a few scratches, 50% plus nitre blue finish with some scattered patches of light pitting and gray patina with scattered mild freckling on the trigger guard and lower tang, 70% slightly faded original case colors on the frame with sharp markings in the metal. Stock is also very fine with some light scratches and dents, a few chips at the toe, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 1223 Civil War U.S. Joslyn First Type Model 1862 Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 2829, 52 RF cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. A total of around 16,500 Joslyn carbines were manufactured during the Civil War under contract with the U.S. government in two models. The U.S. Government purchased 2,200 of the Model 1862 carbines in 1862-1863. The Model 1862 is easily identified by its use of a friction catch for the breech rather than the pull out latch on the Model 1864. This example has the standard markings and features, including matching serial numbers on the breech block and upper tang. “W.P” inspection initials marked at the left of the breech, two boxed script “EF” inspection cartouches marked on the left stock flat, and “E.F” inspection initials faintly marked ahead of the buttplate tang. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock.
CONDITION: Very good, retaining strong traces of original blue finish on the barrel underneath scattered mild brown surface pitting, 40% strong original case colors concentrated on the lock with mottled brown patina on the breech block, upper tang, and saddle ring. Stock is good with scattered dings, scratches, and a chip ahead of the lock. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 1224 Scarce Civil War Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 Short Cavalry Type Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 6494, 52 RF cal., 19 inch round bbl., tin finish, walnut stock. This is one of approximately 1,000 Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 Short Cavalry Type Carbines manufactured. These are known to have been issued to the 11th New York Volunteer Cavalry. This example features a tin finish, staple and saddle ring on the left of the frame, and matching serial numbers on the upper tang and bottom of the barrel inside the action. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. CONDITION: Fine, retaining 60% original tin finish with scattered flaking on the barrel showing smooth brown patina on the balance. 40% plus original blue finish visible on the hammer. Stock is good with numerous scattered scratches and dents, a small crack at the right of the upper tang, and a chip at the left of the buttplate tang. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 1225 Civil War Merrill Second Type Breech Loading Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 17138, 54 cal., 22 1/8 inch round
bbl., bright/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Just under 14,500 Merrill carbines were manufactured in two variations during the Civil War. This example is the second type with slightly different stock contours, no patch box, and the button type latch. Merrill carbines were almost exclusively issued to cavalry units during the war, including units from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Delaware. The top of the loading lever is marked “J.H. MERRILL BALTO./PAT. JULY .1858.”. The lock plate is marked “J.H.MERRILL BALTO./PAT. JULY. 1858./APL 9. MAY 21-28-61” at the front and dated “1864” behind the hammer. The barrel has a notch rear sight with two folding leaves and a fixed front blade front sight. The left stock flat has a saddle ring bar. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. CONDITION: Very good with some scattered light pitting, sharp edges and defined markings in the metal. Brass retains a pleasing aged patina. Stock is fine with defined edges and some light scratches and handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
Collector’s Fact
One of only approximately 1,000 Sharps & Hankins Model 1862 Short Cavalry carbines produced.
95