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LOT 3293
Unusual Simeon North U.S. Contract Hall Breech Loading Percussion Carbine with Ramrod Bayonet and Unique Oval Makers Mark - NSN, 52 cal., 26 3/16 inch round bbl., brown/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is the only example of a Hall carbine we are currently aware of with a sunken oval gold makers cartouche on top of the breech block that reads “S. NORTH/Middletown” with an eagle motif in the middle. Simeon North is easily one of the most important gunmakers of the early republic and manufactured
U.S. martial arms from 1799 until his death in 1852. It is also a rare variation in that it features a ramrod bayonet and a 26 3/16 inch barrel length as usually seen on a Model 1833 Hall carbine,
but it has the “L” shaped elbow breech lever mounted on the trigger plate as typically seen on the Hall Model 1840 Type I carbines. It should be noted that this specific Hall variation is not acknowledged in “Flayderman’s Guide” but an article exists, American Society of Arms Collectors Bulletin Number 54 (Spring, 1986), titled “The Model 1833 North/Hall Carbine, Type III”. It retains its original smooth bore and has a fixed blade front sight and V notch rear sight. “NWP” (Nahum W. Patch) inspection initials marked on the left breech area, a faint oval script inspection cartouche stamped on the left stock flat, and a faint oval inspection cartouche visible ahead of the buttplate tang. A sling ring is fitted near the end of the trigger guard tang. A similar Simeon North sunken oval gold makers cartouche has been seen on a few of the very limited surviving examples of Simeon North flintlock dueling pistols, one of which is known as having come right out of the estate of Simeon North. It is possible this example was a U.S. martial trials specimen or presentation piece to an officer or important individual. CONDITION: Very good, the barrel, frame and breech block are bright polished, with brown patina on the balance, scattered areas of light pitting, and a defined sunken oval gold makers cartouche on the breech block. The refinished stock is also very good, with numerous scattered scratches, dents, chips, a few cracks and repairs visible, a repaired split on the bottom of the breech area, and faintly visible cartouches. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3294
Rare U.S. Harpers Ferry Hall Model 1842 Brass Mounted Breech Loading Percussion Carbine - NSN, 52 cal., 21 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is a rare example of a U.S. Harpers
Ferry Model 1842 Hall saddle ring carbine, one of approximately 1,001 manufactured c. 1842-1843, and the last carbine manufactured by Harpers Ferry.
These were all sent to the 1st U.S. Dragoons and saw hard use in the western campaigns of the Mexican-American War, contributing to their extreme scarcity today. The
1st Dragoons were part of the Army of the West (1846), commanded by Stephen W. Kearny, which played a prominent role in the conquest of New Mexico and California. This example retains its original smoothbore and features a brass blade front sight and iron V notch rear sight. Brass barrel bands, trigger guard, and buttplate. Inspector initials “P.M.” marked on the right of the breech, “H. FERRY/US/1842” marked on top of the breech block, “M” stamped behind the lower tang, and “16” stamped on top ahead of the buttplate. CONDITION: Good, exhibiting smooth gray and brown patina with scattered mild pitting concentrated mostly on the barrel, evident of genuine period use, bright golden patina on the brass fittings, and defined markings on the breech block. Hammer has been repaired during period of usage. The stock is also good with some scattered light scratches and dents, and a few chips. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 3295
Very Scarce Rifled U.S. Simeon North Model 1840 Type II “Fishtail” Hall Breech Loading Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine - NSN, 52 cal., 21 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Simeon North was one of the most influential arms makers of the early republic beginning with manufacturing the first U.S. martial pistol, the North & Cheney Model 1799, and finally ending with the Model 1843 Hall carbines right up to his death in 1852. He was influential in developing the first milling machines and establishing truly interchangeable parts on U.S. martial arms. He manufactured 6,501 of these Model 1840 Hall carbines in 1840-1843. 6,001 of them were the standard Type II with the distinctive “fishtail” shaped breech lever. The vast majority of these were smoothbore, and some were later bored out to larger calibers or rifled. This 1840 dated example remains in .52 caliber and has been rifled. It has standard sights and markings. Inspection initials “JCB” marked on left of the breech and also stamped on the left stock flat, “U.S/S.NORTH/MIDLtn/CONN/1840” marked on top of the breech block. CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% original brown finish with smooth gray patina on the balance, 40% plus original dark oil quenched casehardened finish, and sharp markings and edges in the metal. The stock is very fine, with some pin sized holes on either side of the buttstock, a few gouges and scratches, and distinct edges overall. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000 171