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LOT 1248
Very Scarce Documented U.S.
Springfield Model 1858 Type I Cadet Percussion
Rifle-Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 58 cal., 38 inch round bbl., bright
finish, walnut stock. Approximately 1,501 Type I Model 1858 Cadet
rifle-muskets with the early long range rear sight were manufactured
at Springfield Armory in 1858, and 1,000 of the Type II variation with
the later flip-up rear sight were manufactured in 1860. The Model
1858 Cadet is nearly identical to the standard issue Model 1855 rifle-
musket, and only differs in having a two inch shorter
barrel with a slightly shortened stock, as requested
for use by the West Point Military Academy. The Type I Model 1858
Cadet rifle-musket is described on pages 278-281 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III”,
with this exact rifle photographed on page 279. It has standard markings and early features including an 1858 dated lock
and barrel, and early brass end cap. Left stock flat marked with circled script “JS” (John Symington) and “ESA” (Erskine S. Allin)
cartouches. A small “X” is carved on the right rear of the stock. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe
of the stock. Includes a US socket bayonet.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining mostly bright surfaces with some light pitting concentrated towards the muzzle end, a few
patches of light pitting near the top of the rear band, light but fully legible markings on the barrel, and sharp markings on
the lock. Stock is fine overall with defined edges, numerous handling and storage marks, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically
excellent. Included bayonet is excellent. This is a fine example of a rarely encountered Model 1858 Cadet rifle-musket that
would make a fine addition to any collection.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 1250
U.S. Colt Special Model 1861 Contract Percussion Rifle-Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 58 cal., 40
inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Approximately 75,000 of these rifle-muskets were manufactured by
Colt during the Civil War loosely based on the British Pattern 1853 “Enfield” rifle-muskets, and some of the design
elements were later used on the Springfield Model 1863 rifles. This “1864” dated rifle-musket (both lock plate and barrel correspond) has the standard markings and features
(no “STEEL” barrel marking) including “M.N.M” inspectors mark on the breech as well as “AWM” and “L.L” cartouches on the left stock flat. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection
initials marked on the toe of the stock. Includes a leather sling and “U.S.” marked socket bayonet.
CONDITION: Fine, with some patches of smooth brown patina forming and light spotting on the lock. The stock is very fine with a handling marks and dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,500
LOT 1249
Exceptional Documented Whitney Arms Co. Marked U.S. Springfield
Model 1863 Type I Percussion Rifle-Musket with Bayonet - NSN,
58 cal., 40 inch round bbl., bright/blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
Reportedly 273,265 Springfield Model 1863 Type I rifle-muskets were manufactured c. 1863-1864
with the screw fastened barrel bands. Springfield Model 1863 rifle-muskets are described on pages
324-327 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III”, with
this exact rifle photographed on page 325. These rifles are significant in the history of U.S.
martial arms, as they armed Union troops and saw widespread use in the latter years of
the Civil War. Solid blade front and 500 yard two-leaf rear sight. Casehardened 1863 dated
“U.S./SPRINGFIELD” marked lock. Armory bright 1863 dated barrel, ramrod, trigger, trigger guard, and “US” marked buttplate. Blued
bands and rear sight. The left stock flat is marked with circled script cartouches “TBH” and “ESA” (Erskine S. Allin), and the right of the
buttstock is marked with a large eagle and shield over “WHITNEY ARMS CO”. Eli Whitney Jr. reorganized his family’s business in 1863 as
the Whitney Arms Co. and is known to have purchased condemned and leftover parts from the U.S. armories as well as other outside
contractors primarily to sell to states and militia units, with some sources stating these Model 1863 rifle-muskets with the Whitney
stamp were likely assembled post-Civil War. Regardless, this example is as it would have been from Springfield. Includes a US socket
bayonet and reproduction leather sling.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining all of the original armory bright with some scattered light freckling, 90% plus bright original blue
finish on the rear sight and bands, and 95% plus vivid original case colors on the lock with a small patch of pitting on the top edge of
the hammer. Stock is very fine with defined edges, scattered light scratches and dents, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent.
Included bayonet is very fine with some scattered patches of light pitting.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,000
As pictured & described in American
Military Shoulder Arms, Vol. III by Moller
As pictured & described in American
Military Shoulder Arms, Vol. III by Moller
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