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LOT 1260
Documented State of Maine Ames Alteration Whitney Model 1841
Percussion “Mississippi Rifle” - NSN, 54 cal., 33 inch round bbl., brown/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. Ames alterations of “Mississippi Rifles” for the State of Maine are
described on pages 155-156 of “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III” by George Moller, and the
muzzle end of this rifle is pictured on the bottom of page 155 next to the caption, “The bayonet studs
installed by Ames Manufacturing Co. on 595 Model 1841 rifles owned by the state of Maine in 1861 were
similar to the studs which Ames had installed on Massachusetts rifles, but were attached by a mortise and
three pins.” The barrel has a brass blade front sight, fixed rear sight, bayonet stud with guide key for use with
a saber bayonet, “US/SM” and “V/P” marked at the breech, and “1850” dated barrel tang. The lock is marked
“E. WHITNEY/U.S.” at the center and “N. HAVEN/1851” on the tail. “US” marked buttplate tang. George Moller’s
“GDM” collection marking is at the toe of the stock. Includes a tool and spare nipple in the patch box and a
reproduction leather sling.
CONDITION: Good with brown patina on the barrel mixed with some period brown finish, some light pitting
at the breech, strong traces of case colors on the hammer, and crisp lock markings. Stock is also good as
sanded and re-oiled with some scratches and mild dings, a crack/absent section beneath the front band and
to the left of the barrel, chips in the ramrod channel, and small chips behind the barrel tang and lock. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 1259
U.S. Springfield Model 1855 Percussion Rifle-Musket
Dated 1859 - NSN, 58 cal., 40 inch round bbl., bright
finish, walnut stock. 47,115 Model 1855 rifle-muskets were
manufactured at Springfield Armory between 1857-1861, and another 12,158 were manufactured at Harpers Ferry. The Model 1855 was the first U.S. martial arm designed for use
with Minie bullets in .58 caliber, giving it a considerable advantage in accuracy and effective range over earlier military rifles. These rifles were widely used in the Civil War and first
saw action in the Coeur d’Alene War in the Pacific Northwest in 1858. It has standard markings and features including an “1859” dated lock and barrel, eagle and shield motif on the primer door, front
sight doubling as a bayonet lug, rear sight with flip-up leafs, iron fittings, left stock flat stamped with a boxed script “JS” inspection cartouche, and “US” marked buttplate tang.
CONDITION: Very good plus, in attic fresh condition, with scattered dark colored light to mild pitting, and otherwise defined markings and edges in the metal. Stock is also very good with scattered scratches and dents,
a few small chips, a crack visible behind the lock, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
LOT 1261
U.S. Springfield Model
1847 Percussion Musketoon - NSN, 69 cal., 26 inch round bbl., bright/blue finish, walnut
stock. This U.S. Springfield Model 1847 Musketoon has the swiveling ramrod fixture typically seen on the cavalry
variant, although it does not have a cavalry type sling bar and ring, and has a filled in oval section in the bottom
rear area of the stock where a sling swivel base once resided as typical of the artillery variant. The lock is dated “1847” at the tail with the
federal eagle above “US” at the center, illegible date on the barrel tang, “V/P/eagle head” proofs on the breech, brass fittings, with “11” stamped in
the left stock flat, and “U.S” marked buttplate.
CONDITION: Very good, with mottled brown oxidation and light to mild pitting on the bright iron, and areas of old refinished blue showing on the lock with visible
markings. The brass is attractively aged. Stock is also good, with numerous scattered dents, scratches and scuffs. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 1262
Fine U.S. Henry Aston Model 1842
Percussion Pistol Dated 1849 - NSN, 54
cal., 8 1/2 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut grips. This is
one of approximately 24,000 Model 1842 pistols manufactured
by Henry Aston & Co. of Middletown, Connecticut, c. 1846-1850
according to Flayderman’s Guide. This example is dated “1849”
on the barrel tang and the tail of the lock, marked with “US/JH/P”
the breech, “US/H. ASTON” at the center of the lock with “MIDDtn/CONN”
above the date on the tail, with boxed script “JH” and oval “W.A.T” (William
A. Thornton) inspection cartouches stamped on the left stock flat, and small
“K” and SK” inspection marks on various components.
CONDITION: Fine, showing a mostly bright finish on the barrel and lock
with some light brown patina and faint spotting, the brass has an attractive
aged patina. The hammer lip is chipped. The revarnished grip is also fine
with a few minor marks and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
LOT 1263
Civil War Era W. Clauberg Gilt Merit Presentation Etched Officer’s Sword with German Silver Grip and Scabbard -
This non-regulation Model 1850 Officer’s sword from c. 1860s was mostly likely purchased for presentation to a Civil War
veteran and features a lightly curved 32 inch blade decorated with scroll, martial, and patriotic etched patterns including
“US” and “Pro virtute bellica” (“For war merit” or “For military virtue”) on the left side, along with W. CLAUBERG/knight logo/
SOLINGEN” on the left ricasso and “IRON PROOF” on the spine. The gilt brass hilt has “US” and oak leaf and acorn patterns
on the guard, an eagle head quillion, and inlaid beads bordering the amethyst inlaid pommel. The grip is German silver.
The scabbard has gilt brass fittings, with laurel and scroll accents, and a nickeled body.
CONDITION: Fine with distinct etching, mottled gray patina along the blade along with minor pitting, traces of gilt
finish in the etching mainly towards the hilt, much of the original gilt finish remaining on the hilt and scabbard
fittings, aged patina on the exposed brass, light patina on the grip, and bright nickel scabbard.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
As pictured & described in
American Military Shoulder Arms,
Volume III by Moller