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LOT 3293
Ames Mfg. Co. U.S. Martially Inspected Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer’s Sword Dated 1851
with Scabbard - Dated “1851” on the left ricasso. These were the standard staff and field officer’s
swords between 1850 to 1872, and were by far the most popular among generals and officers during
the Civil War. The sword is a classic Ames Manufacturing Co. U.S. Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer’s sword. Features a regulation 32 1/4 inch blade with wide fuller, acid etched patriotic martial designs
along with scrollwork, the Ames Mfg. Co. maker address etched above the right ricasso, “US” above “A.D.K” inspector initials on the right ricasso, and a gilt brass hilt with floral scroll and “US” designs,
and a wire wrapped shagreen grip. The blued steel scabbard has gilt brass fittings, and the upper band has the Ames Mfg. Co. maker address marking.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 80% bright original gold plated finish on the hilt, with a bright blade showing distinct acid etchings, some light age spotting and minor surface pitting. The grip wrap is fine
with light handling wear. Scabbard is fine, retains 80% gold plated finish on the brass mounts, with minor dents in the drag, and an even dark brown patina on the iron with light pitting. This is an
attractive example of a regulation pattern Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer’s sword.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 3292
Massachusetts Marked Drake Alteration Robbins &
Lawrence Model 1841 “Mississippi” Percussion Rifle with Bayonet - NSN, 54 cal.,
33 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Reportedly, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts contracted
with A. J. Drake of Boston in 1862 to alter approximately 1,839 “Windsor rifles” (believed to have been Model 1841
rifles made by Robbins & Lawrence) they had on hand to accept a socket bayonet with a blade/stud front sight
and three-leaf 500 yard Model 1858 rear sight. This Drake altered Model 1841 rifle is marked with “ROBBINS/&/
LAWRENCE/U.S.” on the lock plate ahead of the hammer, and “WINDSOR VT./1849” at the tail of the lock. The
buttplate tang has a small “US” stamp along with “CO. E/MASS.46/3”. The 46th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry/
Militia Regiment was raised primarily in Hampden County, Massachusetts, in 1862. Most of its men volunteered to
stay on and join the Army of the Potomac after their enlistments expired due to Lee’s invasion of Pennsylvania in 1863. 100 of the men then reenlisted
by joining the 2nd Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. During its enlistment, the 46th only lost one man in combat and another 35 by disease. Much of their
service consisted of manning defensive positions at key positions in the North. “US/J.P.C./P” (James P. Chapman) marked on top of the barrel at the breech.
Drake alteration number “456” marked on the back surface of the barrel at the breech and on the back surface of the barrel tang (both require disassembly to view). The straight wrist walnut stock
has a brass patch box, and two inspection cartouches marked on the left flat including a faint boxed script “JPC” and a strong oval script “WAT” (William A. Thornton). Brass tipped trumpet head
iron ramrod. Sling swivels mounted on the barrel band and front of the trigger guard. Faintly punch marked “WAR 1861-1865” on the left of the buttstock (filled in with wood filler). “GDM” (George
D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes Drake pattern socket bayonet, and a reproduction leather sling (not attached).
CONDITION: Fine, 20% arsenal brown finish on the barrel with gray patina on the balance and numerous scattered patches of brown surface pitting. 50% plus of the arsenal refurbished dark blue
casehardening visible on the lock with crisp markings. Brass retains an attractive original patina. Front sling ring is broken. Stock is fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled with some scratches and dents,
and filled in markings on the left of the buttstock (referenced above). Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 3,250 - 4,750
LOT 3291
Fine Documented New Jersey Marked Civil
War Trenton U.S. Model 1861 Percussion
Rifle-Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 58 cal.,
40 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock.
This is one of approximately 5,300 rifle-muskets
contracted with the state of New Jersey by J.T.
Hodge and A. M. Burton c. 1863-1864, not included
as part of the reported 11,495 “Trenton” marked
rifle-muskets delivered under U.S. contract during
the Civil War. These New Jersey Contract Model 1861 rifle-muskets are
described on pages 307-309 of George D. Moller’s book “American
Military Shoulder Arms Volume III” with this exact
rifle photographed on page 308. The book states,
“Burt & Hodge received at least four contracts from
the State of New Jersey for rifle muskets. In 1863, they contracted with the state as Trenton Arms Company, and in
1864, they contracted as the New Jersey Arms & Ordnance Company... some of which specified that the locks be
marked ‘Trenton.’” Features a bayonet stud front sight and flip-up 500 yard rear sight. The left of the barrel at the
breech is marked “N.J.” and has standard “V/P/eagle head” proofs. The lock is marked “U.S./TRENTON” ahead of the eagle and shield. “1864” dated on the tail of the lock and top of the barrel at the breech. Oval script “NJ” (State of
New Jersey) cartouche marked on the left stock flat. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes US socket bayonet and reproduction leather sling.
CONDITION: Fine with crisp edges on the metal and mostly bright surfaces, some scattered light brown surface freckling and handling marks. Stock is very fine with raised grain and rich dark oil finish, defined edges, some minor
chips on the edges of the flats, some scratches, and a nice cartouche. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is very fine.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 3,250 - 4,750
As pictured & described in American
Military Shoulder Arms, Vol. III by Moller