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LOT 3231
Early 19th Century Etched Saber with Scabbard - This saber likely
dates to 1810-1840 and features an approximately 30 inch heavily
curved blade measured along the spine with broad fullers niter blue
panels and foliate and martial etching mainly highlighted in gold. The
hilt is iron with a black leather and alternating wire wrapped wood grip.
The scabbard is iron.
CONDITION: The blade is very fine and retains 90% plus of the bright
original nitre blue and gold finish and has minimal light spotting and
wear. The hilt and scabbard are fine and have dark brown patina and
mild oxidation from age. The grip is very good and has a flakes of leather
absent and moderate wear. Overall a very attractive saber.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
LOT 3230
Very Fine U.S. Civil War American Machine Works Smith Breech Loading
Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 11558, 50 cal., 21 5/8 inch part octagon bbl.,
blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Reportedly, 30,362 Smith carbines were purchased by the U.S.
Government throughout the Civil War. Some of these carbines were issued to the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry,
who served as part of George Armstrong Custer’s 3rd Division and played a pivotal role in the Battle of Moorefield
in 1864. This Smith carbine was manufactured by American Machine Works in Springfield, Massachusetts. It utilized a special .50
caliber percussion cartridge which sealed the break action leading to higher pressure and thus velocity than the bullets fired
from muzzle loading weapons. Blade front and ladder rear sights, with a sling bar and ring mounted on the left of the receiver.
Small inspection initials marked on various components, and oval script “JH” inspection cartouche stamped on the left stock wrist.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% original blue finish on the barrel, 75% original case colors on the frame and hammer, 85% plus original bright niter blue
finish on the breech latch and trigger guard tang with the buttplate mostly turned to a smooth brown patina, scattered areas of light surface freckling, and
sharp markings and edges in the metal. Wood is fine as sanded and re-oiled, with defined edges, a few light handling marks, and a legible cartouche. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The 50 year Collection of Johnny Walker Birmingham Pistol Wholesale.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 3229
Historic Early Production Civil War U.S. Spencer Model 1860 Army Repeating
Rifle with Initials Attributed to Oscar H. Adams of the 7th Michigan Cavalry, Killed in Action, with Research - Serial no. 1259, 52
Spencer cal., 30 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is a highly desirable example of an early production Spencer Model 1860 Army rifle that
was manufactured by the Spencer Repeating Rifle Company of Boston, Massachusetts, and is part of the first batch reportedly delivered to the Michigan Cavalry first under
command of General Joseph T. Copeland and subsequently led by General George Armstrong Custer, also known as the “Wolverines.” The left of the buttstock has large period carved initials “OHA”
which are attributed by the consignor to Corporal Oscar H. Adams of Company A of the 7th Michigan Cavalry Regiment, who was killed in action during the Civil War. Reportedly, 11,470 of these innovative
rifles were delivered to the U.S government between the end of 1862 to 1864. This rifle is bearing serial number 1259, with serial numbers of Spencer 1860s commencing at 1000, and would have been included
in the very first batch of 500, reportedly delivered to the Ordnance Department on December 31, 1862 (reference page 50 of the book “Spencer Repeating Firearms” by Roy Marcot). The Michigan Cavalry reportedly received
these first 500 rifles from the Ordnance Department on January 5, 1863, with an additional 500 in mid to late January 1863, and another 200 on February 10, 1863. Oscar H. Adams originally enlisted September 8, 1862 in Battle
Creek, Michigan at 18 years old, mustered October 13, 1862, was paroled after capture on May 15, 1863, engaged in Custer’s famous charge during the Battle of Gettysburg where they helped repulse General J.E.B. Stuart’s
Confederate cavalry on July 3, 1863, and was killed in action on June 12, 1864 at the Battle of Trevilian Station in Louisa County, Virginia. The rifle features a 30-inch round barrel, seven-shot magazine tube with brass follower in
the stock, a blade front sight that doubles as a bayonet lug, an 800 yard folding ladder rear sight, six-groove rifling chambered for use with 56-52 “52 Spencer” rimfire, three barrel bands, the three-line Spencer address and patent
marking on top of the breech, and smooth buttstock. The matching serial number “1259” is roll-stamped on the top of the receiver behind the ejector cut-out and on the bottom of the barrel. The lot is accompanied by a binder
containing extensive consignor supplied related research.
CONDITION: Very good as Civil War used, with characteristic dark brown patina, scattered minor oxidation/pitting and wear. The wood is good with numerous scattered scratches, dents, battle scars and a few cracks, with defined
period initials. Mechanically fine. Surviving examples of these early production Spencer 1860 Army rifles are scarce, as nearly all of these saw extremely hard use during the war with the Michigan Cavalry and likely saw use out West
afterwards, with this example attributed to Civil War Corporal Oscar H. Adams of the 7th Michigan Cavalry, who was involved in the Battle of Gettysburg, and killed in action at the Battle of Trevilian Station possibly holding this
very rifle.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500