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LOT 1195
Highly Desirable Civil War Confederate Fayetteville Armory Percussion Rifle with Fancy Carved Initials “A.W.S” - NSN, 58 cal., 33 inch round bbl., brown finish, walnut stock. The Fayetteville rifles were copies of the U.S.
Harpers Ferry Model 1855 rifle manufactured with machinery captured from the U.S. arsenals
at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, and Fayetteville, North Carolina. An estimated 8,000-9,000 of these well- made rifles were manufactured between 1862-1865. With the fledgling Confederacy plagued by a shortage of arms, and even less capable of weapons manufacturing, the capture of a federal
armory was a godsend. The Virginia Secession Convention had instructed Robert E. Lee, as a top
priority, to move the valuable rifle and musket-producing machinery from northern Virginia safely into the interior. Lee assigned the task to Stonewall Jackson on April 27 in his first orders to his new subordinate, “It is desired that you expedite the transfer,” he said. Within 2 weeks, the ever efficient Jackson had completed the task. Features a blade/stud front sight that doubles for use with a socket bayonet, blued rear sight with flip-up leafs graduated up to 500 yards, iron ramrod with tulip head, iron forend cap, brass trigger guard, buttplate, and flat barrel bands secured by band springs. In addition to the “1863” date behind the hammer, the lock plate is stamped with an eagle and shield above “C.S.A.” followed by “FAYETTEVILLE”. “V/P/eagle head” proofs stamped on the left quarter of the breech, with an “1863” date on top of the breech, with the “3” partly visible. The two barrel bands are stamped “U” facing the band springs. The heel of the buttplate is stamped “CSA”. Unidentified period initials “A.W.S” carved in fancy script in the left stock flat and filled in with red. CONDITION: Very good as Confederate used, with an untouched attic fresh look, exhibits smooth brown patina on the barrel with some characteristic light flash pitting, the lock showing a mix of smooth gray and brown patina, with defined proofs and lock markings. Brass exhibits an attractive golden aged patina. Stock is also very good with defined edges, with some scattered light scratches and dents, some minor chipping beneath the lock, a few minor hairline cracks ahead of the buttplate tang, and defined period carved initials. Mechanically fine. This Confederate Fayetteville Armory rifle would make a fine addition to any Civil War arms collection! Provenance: The Fredrick Goldbecker Collection; Property of a Gentleman. Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
LOT 1196
Historic and Rare Civil
War “Confederate Sharps” Breech Loading Percussion Saddle
Ring Carbine Attributed to Confederate Charles E. Mills Davis with Southern Cross of Honor - Serial
no. 3397, 52 cal., 21 5/8 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Approximately 1,900 Sharps type carbines were manufactured by S.C. Robinson, located in the Confederate capitol of Richmond, for the Confederate Army between 1862-1863, prior to the Confederate government
purchasing the S.C. Robinson factory in March 1863 and continuing to manufacture an additional estimated 3,000 carbines. Other sources state approximately 5,200 of these carbines were manufactured in total. The serial number, 3397, on the frame of this example would suggest it was manufactured after the Confederate government purchased the factory. Serial number “3397” marked on the upper tang and underneath the breech end of the barrel, with the replacement S. C. Robinson lock plate non-matching
numbered “1435” on the tail. Like most Confederate weapons, surviving examples of these carbines are difficult to find in any condition and typically show signs of hard use. They likely saw use primarily with cavalry units like their Union counterparts. The
right of the buttstock is period carved “WS CMD” which is attributed by the consignor to Confederate soldier Charles E. Mills Davis (December 2, 1844-November 19, 1900). In the included notes with this lot, another example of a “Confederate Sharps” carbine is shown that has a period carving of “CMD CO. D” which is also believed to have belonged to the same individual Charles E. Mills Davis, with this example believed to have been his first issued carbine prior to being captured in December 1863 and then believed to have been issued that example after his release in early 1864. The “WS” is likely the initials of another unidentified individual who would have carried this gun after Charles E. Mills Davis. An included obituary for Charles E. Mills Davis states, “Born December 2nd, 1844, Charles enlisted (at the ripe old age of 19) in the 43rd Virginia Cavalry for the duration of the war on August 30th, 1863, sworn in by John S. Mosby, in the flesh, in Fauquier County, Va. He was captured on
December 20th, 1863, paroled in early 1864, and was captured again on April 9th, 1864, at Middleburg, Virginia, was transferred as a P.O.W. from the Old Capitol Prison, Washington, D.C., to Fort Warren on April 20th, 1864, where he finished out the war, taking the oath of allegiance at Fort Warren on June 10th, 1865.” The lock plate is roll-stamped
“S.C. ROBINSON/ARMS MANUFACTORY/RICHMOND.VA/1862”, and the top of the barrel has faint remnants of the “RICHMOND, VA” marking on top of the breech. The barrel has a “pinched” blade front and dovetail mounted notch rear sight. Brass barrel band and buttplate. Information on these carbines and other pictured examples can be found on pages 248-263 of the book “Confederate Carbines & Musketoons” by John M. Murphy and Howard Michael Madaus. Includes consignor research notes related to Charles E. Mills Davis and his military service, a sling swivel hook, and a Southern Cross of Honor with “C.M. DAVIS” engraved on the metal bar. CONDITION: Good, exhibiting genuine Confederate use with dark brown patina, traces of faded blue finish on the lock, extensive scattered moderate pitting, dings and wear with some worn markings and clear lock markings. Brass exhibits a slightly aged patina with scattered dings on the buttplate from period use. Barrel band and lever retainer are both fabricated replacements. Wood is good as re-oiled, with the forearm sanded, numerous scattered dings and scratches, some cracks and chips, and clear carvings. Mechanically fine. This rare S.C. Robinson “Sharps” carbine proudly displays telltale signs of hard combat use with a neat link to a Confederate soldier. A solid representative
example of one of the most iconic Confederate weapons! 193 Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000