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LOT 3251
Very Fine Civil War U.S. Burnside Fifth Model Breech Loading Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine
- Serial no. 16639, 54 cal., 21 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. These “Fifth Model” Burnside Model 1864 carbines represent the
completion of the evolution of General Ambrose Burnside’s ingenious carbine design. Unfortunately for Burnside, he profited little, if at all, from his well-known design because he
sold his shares before the company received sizable government contracts. The outbreak of the Civil War led to the purchase of over 50,000 Burnside carbines. They were the third
most purchased breech loading carbine during the war, after only the Sharps and the Spencer. Matching serial numbers on the frame and breech block. Two
crisp boxed script “EPR” and “RKW” inspection cartouches stamped on the left wrist of the stock, and small “R.K.W” inspection initials on bottom of
the forearm and “H.D.H” ahead of the buttplate tang.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 60% plus original blue finish, 75% vibrant original case colors, 85% plus bright original niter blue
finish, with smooth brown patina on the balance, scattered light surface freckling overall, scattered light pitting concentrated
on the front portion of the barrel, and defined markings and edges in the metal. Wood is also very fine with attractive original
raised grain, some light handling marks, defined edges and cartouches. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The 50 year Collection of Johnny Walker Birmingham Pistol Wholesale.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 3252
Civil War Starr Arms Breech Loading Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. O13867, 54 cal., 21 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
walnut stock. Starr Arms Co. manufactured approximately 20,601 of these carbines during the Civil War. Features standard blade front and two-leaf rear sights, sling ring
mounted on the left of the receiver, small inspection initials “H.G.S” on the left of the breech. Marked with a “0” above “13867” on the right of the breech block wedge, and “21929”
on the underside of the barrel.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 40% period retailer refurbished blue finish on the barrel, frame, lever and breech block, 70% plus vivid original case colors on the lock, hammer and breech block wedge with smooth brown
and gray patina on the balance, scattered spotting, and defined markings and edges in the metal. Wood is very good as re-oiled, with defined edges, scattered scratches and dents concentrated on the buttstock, a reattached
cracked section at the toe with tack repairs visible, and defined edges. The breech block sticks in the closed position, otherwise mechanically fine.
Provenance: The 50 year Collection of Johnny Walker Birmingham Pistol Wholesale.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 3253
Civil War U.S. Sharps New Model 1859 Breech Loading Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 50690, 52 cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, walnut stock. This carbine was manufactured c. 1859-1863, with many of these widely used during the Civil War, and a large number later converted for use with centerfire
cartridges, not including this example still remaining in percussion configuration. The barrel has a blade front sight, the three-line Hartford address ahead of the Lawrence patent
rear sight, and “NEW MODEL 1859” on top at the breech. The lock and receiver have the standard Lawrence and Sharps patent markings. Standard iron fittings, replacement walnut
forearm and walnut buttstock. Small inspection initials “S.L” on the left breech of the barrel, “C.H.S” on the bottom flat of the forearm, and a bordered script inspection cartouche stamped on the left wrist.
CONDITION: Very good with a fresh appearance, showing age darkened brown patina, strong original case colors showing on the protected area of the lock beneath the hammer, with scattered spotting/freckling,
the barrel band turned to a silvery patina, a few dings visible on the left breech of the barrel, and defined markings in the metal. The replacement forearm is very fine. The buttstock is very good as re-oiled, with numerous
scattered dents and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 3250
Civil War U.S. Whitney Model 1861 “Plymouth”
Navy Percussion Rifle - Serial no. 9024, 69 cal.,
34 1/4 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock.
Manufactured under a July of 1861 contract, with
delivery of 10,000 rifles completed in 1864. The Plymouth Rifle was manufactured on the recommendation of Navy ordnance officer John A. Dahlgren and was based on the
French Model 1849 “Chasseurs de Vincennes” percussion rifle. It features a .69 caliber rifled barrel with bayonet lug on the right side, long range rear ladder sight graduated to
1,000 yards, trigger guard with spur finger grip and ramrod with large cylindrical tip pierced with a small hole. “1864” dated tail of the lock and top breech of the barrel along with a Navy anchor,
with “V/P/eagle head” proofs marked on the upper left quarter of the breech, and the serial number “9024” is marked on the barrel tang. The lock is marked with a federal eagle above “U.S.” ahead of the
hammer and “WHITNEY-VILLE” at the front. “F.C.W” (Frank C. Warner) inspection initials marked on the left barrel flat, and a boxed script “FCW” inspection cartouche stamped on the left stock flat.
“US” marked buttplate tang.
CONDITION: Very good with a fresh appearance, showing mostly bright surfaces with scattered surface oxidation, and sharp markings and edges in the iron overall. Stock is also very good as refinished, with some light dents and
handling marks, and a legible cartouche. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 3249
Exceptional U.S. Civil War Massachusetts Arms Co. Smith
Breech Loading Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no.
18225, 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 Massachusetts Arms Company of Chicopee Falls, 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
two bordered script inspection cartouches stamped on the left stock wrist.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 95% original blue finish on the barrel, 60% plus niter blue
finish with smooth brown patina on the balance, 90% vivid original case colors on the frame,
scattered patches of surface freckling/oxidation, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is very fine
with attractive original raised grain, a discreetly reglued cracked section on top of the wrist, a crack visible on the right of the wrist, some light scratches, and
crisp inspection stamps. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500