Page 206 - 4091-BOOK2

Collector’s Fact
According to "American
Military Shoulder Arms Volume III" by Moller, only 100 Harpers Ferry 1842 Muskets were converted using the Merrill breech loading system.
204
LOT 1250
Desirable Civil War U.S. Lindsay “Two Shot” Model 1863 Double Percussion Rifle-Musket - NSN, 58 cal., 40 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Approximately 1,000 of these unique two shot rifle-muskets were manufactured by J.P. Lindsay of New York between 1863-1864. They are known to have been tested by or issued to the 5th, 16th, and 23rd Michigan and 9th New Hampshire. The 9th tested “the new double-shooting rifles” on November 8th, 1864 and found that they “...showed off their demerits to good advantage, flashed, fizzled, and failed famously; enough to secure their condemnation and a speedy exchange to the Springfield rifle.” However, it appears the 16th Michigan carried the rifles for at least a short time during the Petersburg campaign. “LINDSAY/PATENT’D.OCT.9.1860” marked on top of the breech. Two oval script “ADK” (Andrew D. King) inspection cartouches stamped on the left stock flat. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining armory bright metal surfaces with some patches of dark colored light pitting visible mostly on the hammers and buttplate, and some minor marring on some of the screw heads. Stock is also very fine with attractive original raised grains and rich oil finish, a few scattered light scratches and handling marks, sharp edges and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 1251
Rare Merrill Breech Loading Conversion U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1842 Percussion Rifled Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 69 cal., 42 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Only 100 each of the Model 1842 muskets, Model 1841 “Mississippi” rifles, and Model 1847 cavalry musketoons were reportedly converted using James H. Merrill’s breech loading system c. 1861-1862. These Merrill breech loading alterations of the Model 1842 muskets are described on pages 201-203 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III.” The alteration was performed by replacing the breech plug and tang with the Merrill breech system as well as adding the lever catch to the barrel, adding an additional screw in the lock plate, and installing a clean out screw on the bolster. The barrel was also rifled and fitted with a long range rear sight. This rare Merrill alteration is not to be confused with the much more common Merrill manufactured carbines and rifles also used by the Union during the war effort. The front sight is an integral blade on the front barrel band. A stud on the bottom at the muzzle is used for socket bayonet mounting. The barrel is marked with “PB/P” and “V/P/eagle head” on the left near the breech. The lock plate is dated 1853 and has the standard markings. The breech mechanism is marked with the Merrill address and patent information in three lines. The standard musket stock is marked with a circled script “JAS” (John A. Schaeffer) cartouche on the left stock flat. Includes a US socket bayonet. CONDITION: Very good with a mix of silver gray patina and darker gray-brown patina throughout, some minor pitting, distinct markings, darker brown patina and oxidation on the buttplate, and general mild overall wear. The stock is also very good and has some small chips, dents, and scratches associated with actual field use and has a lightly worn but legible
cartouche. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is also very good with gray and brown patina and mild oxidation. This is a rare example of a Merrill altered U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1842 rifled musket! We very rarely get a chance to offer one of these rare breech loading conversion, and they are missing from even most of the more extensive U.S. Military arms collections. Don’t miss your chance! Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 1252
Scarce Roberts Breech Loading Conversion of a U.S. E. Robinson Model 1861 Rifle-Musket - NSN, 58 RF cal., 40 inch round bbl., bright/casehardened finish, walnut stock. These rifle-
muskets were converted by Providence Tool Company in 1869-1870 to the Roberts breech loading system for the Roberts Breechloading Arms Co. of New York City. The design with a tipping block was invented by Brigadier General Benjamin S. Roberts. Reference
U.S. patent number 52,887 dated February 27th, 1866 and patent number 65,607 dated June 11th, 1867. 5,000 of these were originally intended for the New York National Guard but were ultimately sold to the State of South Carolina after the legislature in New York failed to appropriate the necessary funds, with
quantities sold to and used heavily by France and Mexico. After a long service life, many of these rifles reportedly suffered a high loss rate due to breaking parts, and thus surviving examples, especially those in high condition like this one, are considered scarce and desirable. It has the standard Civil War era rifle-musket sights and furniture, an “1864” dated E. Robinson New York marked lock, and casehardened breech marked “ROBERT’S PAT/JUNE. 11. 1867” on the left. Pulling up on the lever opens the breech, and when cocking the hammer it pushes down on a tab to close the breech. Reference the book “Roberts Breechloading Firearms,” and pages 194-195 of “Peabody Firearms,” both by Edward Hull, for information on these Roberts conversions. CONDITION: Fine, with some areas of light pin-prick pitting, muted patterns of original case colors visible on the breech block, with sharp markings. The refinished stock is very good with some light handling marks and a crack on the left flat running though the rear lock screw. Mechanically excellent. This scarce
Roberts conversion rifle-musket would make a fine addition to any advanced U.S. military arms collection! Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 1253
Meriden Manufacturing Co. Miller Breech Loading Rimfire Conversion Parkers, Snow & Co. Model 1861 Rifle-Musket with Bayonet - Serial no. 27, 58 RF cal., 39 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Originally a Civil War U.S.
contract 1861 muzzleloading percussion rifle-musket, this is one of approximately 2,000 converted by the Meriden Manufacturing Co. circa 1865-1867 to the Miller patent breech loading system for use with .58 rimfire ammunition. Designed and patented by William H. and George W. Miller; reference U.S. patent 47,902 dated May 23, 1865. It utilizes a unique hinged breech block that tips upward for loading and releases with a spring-loaded latch, with an arm located on the left of the breech block that trips the spring-loaded extractor. “1864” dated lock with Parkers, Snow & Co. address, and the breech block is marked with Miller patent marking and Meriden manufacturer address, and numbered “27” on bottom and on the breech latch. Includes a “US” marked socket bayonet and reproduction leather sling. CONDITION: Fine, with scattered minor freckling and smooth gray and brown patina, strong traces of original case colors visible in protected areas of the breech block, 50% original blue finish on the rear sight,
and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is also fine, with some scattered dents and scratches, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. Bayonet is very good. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500