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LOT 1243
Desirable and Rare Civil War Confederate Morse Third Type Breech Loading Centerfire Carbine - Serial no. 818, 50 CF cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue/
bright finish, butternut stock. The State Military Works in Greenville, South Carolina, manufactured approximately 1,000 of these brass frame, centerfire Morse
carbines during the Civil War, with this example offered being a third type with the action locked by a latch which engages the breech blocks rounded iron
top section, per “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 10-044). George W. Morse invented and patented this advanced breech loading system as well as the cased
centerfire cartridge it uses; considered to be one of the earliest of its kind in using what is the precursor to the modern day firearms cartridges. These carbines
were manufactured on machinery which had been captured by the Confederates from the Harpers Ferry Armory. Of interesting note, Morse had started work
on overseeing the alteration of muskets to his breech loading system at the government owned Harpers Ferry Armory just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War and
continued his work during the war in support of the Confederacy using some of the same captured machinery. The majority of the Morse carbines were issued to the South Carolina Militia with limited numbers
issued to other Confederate forces. It is chambered in .50 caliber centerfire and is loaded by raising the breechblock upward. It correctly lacks maker markings; with only the last few production examples found
with maker markings other than the serial number. The serial number “818” is marked on both the underside of the frame and breech cover. The barrel is fitted with fixed blade front and notch rear sights.
Mounted in a smooth butternut forearm and straight grip stock. Brass tipped iron ramrod. Relevant information on these Morse carbines and other examples pictured can be found on pages 176-198 of the
book, “Confederate Carbines & Musketoons” (2002) by John M. Murphy and Howard Michael Madaus. The consignor indicated this carbine was purchased from Michael Simens on November 15, 2009.
CONDITION: Very good plus and well above average as a Confederate issued arm, with a fresh appearance, exhibiting plum patina on the barrel with some scattered patches of light pitting, much of the niter
blue finish remaining on the cocking lever, and highly attractive dark golden aged patina on the brass with some scattered dings from period use. Wood is fine, with scattered dents and scratches, and defined
edges. Mechanically fine. Surviving examples of these Morse carbines rarely surface for sale, and this one would make a great addition to any Confederate or Civil War collection!
Provenance: Michael Simens; Private Collection.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500