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LOT 3226
Extremely Rare Unique Experimental Prototype Two-Band U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1855 Percussion Rifle with Screw Pattern Long Range Sight - NSN,
58 cal., 33 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock. This is a unique example of an experimental prototype Harpers Ferry two-band Model 1855
rifle, without the typical Harpers Ferry maker marking on the lock (it does not appear to have ever had it), and an early adjustable screw pattern flip-up ladder rear sight of the type typically
seen on Harpers Ferry altered Model 1841 Mississippi rifles. This is the only example like it known by this writer. It most certainly appears to be the work of
Harpers Ferry Armory, and was likely made as a sample piece in the early stages of development of the U.S. Model 1855 rifle. The officially adopted production
type I examples have a standard ramped base ladder rear sight; 10 of which were reportedly manufactured with the ramped sight in fiscal year 1857, and
374 in 1858. The “1858” barrel date on this example suggests it was fabricated that year. “1857” date marking at the tail of the lock with a federal eagle on the
primer door, “1858” date marking top of the breech of the barrel with “V/P/eagle head” proofs on the left quarter, standard pinched blade front sight, bayonet
lug mounted on the right for use with a saber bayonet (not included), three-groove rifling with a .58 caliber bore, oval cutout inside the patchbox, and
unmarked/uninspected stock and buttplate. Many firearms in backroom storage, including a number of prototypes and production Model 1855 rifles, were
destroyed when the Harpers Ferry Armory was burned in 1861, so the fact that this prototype rifle survived makes it an extremely rare specimen.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 70% original brown finish on the barrel with areas of fading, patterns of case colors visible inside the protected primer area of the
lock, 70% original blue finish on the rear barrel band with traces visible on the front barrel band, trigger guard and buttplate, with scattered surface spotting/oxidation, bright golden patina on
the brass patchbox, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is very fine with rich original oil finish and attractive original raised grain, a few scattered scratches and dents, a
minor small crack visible ahead of the top of the buttplate, and distinct edges. Mechanically excellent. This unique experimental prototype Harpers Ferry Model 1855 rifle would be a significant
addition to any advanced U.S. martial arms collection!
Estimate: 9,000 - 15,000
LOT 3225
Rare Documented Civil
War Sharps New Model
1859 Breech Loading
“Egyptian Contract”
Percussion Rifle-Musket
Issued by the State of Connecticut -
Serial no. 37028, 52 cal., 36 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. This rifle matches the configuration
of the aborted Egyptian contract rifles and falls within the correct approximate
36000-40000 serial number range noted for the 600 rifles ordered by the Viceroy of Egypt through the
American consul in Egypt in late 1859. These rifles are readily identifiable by their 36 inch barrels with saber
bayonet lugs rather than the usual 30 inch barrels. These rifles were inspected by Major Thorton of the New York
Arsenal in early 1861. The Egyptians had not paid for the rifles, so they were offered for sale to the U.S. Ordnance Department and purchased by Captain
Joseph R. Hawley of Hartford of Rifle Company A (90 rifles) and the State of Connecticut (510 rifles). This information can be found on pages 323-324 of the
book “Sharps Firearms The Percussion Era 1848-1865” by Marcot, Paxton and Marron. They were issued to the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 11th, and 14th Connecticut Infantry
Regiments. This example features an oval script “JH” (Joseph Hannis) inspection cartouche stamped on the left wrist of the stock, the barrel has a block mounted blade front sight,
bayonet stud ahead of the forearm, the three-line Sharps address ahead of the Lawrence patent notch and ladder rear sight, “NEW MODEL 1859” on top at the breech, the lock and
frame have the standard Lawrence and Sharps patent markings, the serial number is marked on the upper tang, three iron barrel bands and an iron patch box. This exact rifle is
pictured and mentioned by serial number on pages 23-24 of the book “Military Sharps Rifles and Carbines Volume I” by Richard Hopkins. Faint period carvings visible on the left of
the buttstock that appear to possibly read “C P Blake” above an illegible carved word or words.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% period arsenal refurbished blue finish and 70% plus vivid case colors, 70% plus niter blue finish, with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance and some light freckling. Wood is very good with
some scatted dents and scratches, a few cracks on the bottom of the forend with a period screw repair on the right rear, faint carvings as mentioned above, and a visible lightly worn cartouche. Mechanically excellent
Estimate: 8,000 - 11,000
AS PICTURED AND
DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK
MILITARY SHARPS RIFLES &
CARBINES, VOL. I BY HOPKINS