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LOT 1238
Documented Colt Alteration Whitney Model 1841 Percussion
“Mississippi Rifle” with Saber Bayonet - Serial no. 3739, 58 cal., 33
inch round bbl., bright/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Colt alterations
of “Mississippi Rifles” are described on p. 156-159 of “American Military
Shoulder Arms, Volume III” by George Moller, and this rifle is featured
on p. 157 and 158. It was converted to .58 caliber (seven-groove rifling)
by Colt and features the Colt Model 1855 revolving rifle rear sight and
ring mounted bayonet lug. These were fitted with saber bayonets
originally numbered to the guns (this one not matching, most do not).
In 1861, Colt purchased approximately 11,368 Model 1841 rifles from the
Ordnance Department for $10.00 a piece which would have included
pieces both from Harpers Ferry and government contractors. Colt then
altered them for use with .58 caliber Minie balls and bayonets under an
agreement to sell them all back once the alterations were performed. By June of 1862,
Colt had sold 10,411 of the converted rifles back to the government for $18.50 a piece and made a quick and handsome profit,
selling the rest to the State of Connecticut against his original agreement. Similar arms deals between the government and Colt
earned both Samuel Colt and some top level officials a fair amount of ire. The barrel has a brass blade front sight, 500 yard Colt three-leaf rear sight, clamp-on band with bayonet lug marked “3739” as well as
“3739” behind it on the barrel, “1 CC” and “B” on the left at the breech, and “1854” date on the tang. The lock is marked “E. WHITNEY/U.S.” at the center and “N. HAVEN/1854” on the tail. The left stock flat has “JM” and “WAT” (William A.
Thornton) cartouches. “US” is marked on the brass buttplate tang. “M” is marked on the side plate. George Moller’s “GDM” collection mark is at the toe. Includes an 1861 dated saber bayonet marked with number “3021” on the flat of
the hilt, leather sling, and a spare nipple in the patchbox.
CONDITION: Very good with smooth mottled brown patina on the barrel and lock, aged patina on the brass fittings, and general mild wear. Stock is fine with attractive original raised wood grain, some light scratches and dings, a
small crack ahead of the rear lock screw, and chips on the edges of the barrel and ramrod channel. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is fine with some scattered light pitting on the blade.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1239
Fine Documented State of New Jersey Marked U.S. Frankford
Arsenal/Remington Maynard Priming System Conversion Model 1816 Percussion Rifle-Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 69 cal., 41 inch round
bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This exact rifle-musket is pictured on pages 43 and 45 and the model is discussed on pages 42-52 in George D.
Moller’s “American Military Shoulder Arms, Vol. III.” Using Maynard primer locks and percussion bolsters supplied by Remington Arms Co., Frankford
Arsenal converted Model 1816 flintlock muskets to percussion ignition as well as rifled the bores from 1856 to 1859. This example is
dated “1858” on the lock and tang and has the standard U.S./Remington markings on the lock. The buttplate tang is marked “US” and
“10.” The State of New Jersey “NJ” marking appears on the left side of the barrel at the breech. New Jersey received approximately
2,000 of these conversions. The letter “B” is stamped on top of the barrel at the breech. The rear sight has a folding leaf
graduated from “5” to “8” on the left branch and a base graduated from “1” to “4” on the left side. The left stock flat is
stamped with the letter “V” along with an oval inspection stamp.
George Moller’s “GDM” collection marking is at the toe of the stock.
Includes a “US” marked socket bayonet, iron ramrod with trumpet
head, and leather sling.
CONDITION: Fine with a silver-gray appearance on the metal
mixed with some areas light pitting. The wood is also fine with a
chip along the ramrod channel and some minor handling marks.
Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection;
Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 2,250 - 4,250