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LOT 1243
Exceptional Indian Wars Era U.S.
Sharps New Model 1863 Metallic Cartridge Conversion Saddle Ring
Carbine - Serial no. C,19515, 50-70 U.S. Govt cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. This Sharps was originally manufactured in
1863-1865 as a percussion carbine for use in the Civil War, and was one of 31,098 carbines returned by
the U.S. Government to Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. in 1867, who received a contract for refurbishment and
alteration of their rifles for use with metallic cartridges. This is one of around 1,900 altered carbines with a spring loaded
firing pin that retains its original .52 caliber six-groove rifling, intended to fire the 50-70 centerfire round. “C” and “E.A.W” inspection
initials marked on the left flat of the breech end of the barrel. Script “DFC” (David F. Clark) ribbon inspection cartouche marked on the left
center of the buttstock, typically found on these metallic cartridge conversion carbines. Initials “MR” carved on the right of the buttstock. Absent
primer feed mechanism (does not affect function of the gun).
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 95% plus arsenal refurbished blue finish on the barrel with some light wear around the muzzle, and 85% plus vivid arsenal refurbished case colors on the frame. Wood is excellent with distinct edges, a few light handling marks and dents, and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. One will look a long time to find a better example!
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 1244
Excellent U.S. Civil War American Machine Works Smith Breech Loading Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 7464, 50 cal., 21 5/8 inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Reportedly, 30,362 Smith carbines were purchased by the U.S. Government
throughout the Civil War. Some of these carbines were issued to the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry, who served as part of George Armstrong
Custer’s 3rd Division and played a pivotal role in the Battle of Moorefield in 1864. Blade front and ladder rear sights. A sling bar and ring are mounted on the left of the receiver. Small inspection initials marked on various components and an oval script “JH” inspection cartouche stamped on the left stock wrist.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% plus original blue finish on the barrel, 90% vivid original case colors on the frame, 85% plus original bright nitre blue finish strongest on the breech latch, stock junction and trigger guard/lower tang with smooth brown patina on the balance. Sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Wood is very fine with attractive original
raised grains, a few minor chips at the toe, some scattered light scratches, defined edges, and an exceptionally crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. This excellent example of an American Machine Works Smith carbine would make an excellent addition to any Civil War or U.S. Martial collection! Provenance: The Paul Crockett Jr. Collection. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,000
LOT 1245
Civil War Richardson & Overman Gallager Breech Loading Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 7359, 50 cal., 22 1/4 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The Gallager carbine was designed by Dr. Mahlon J. Gallager, a Southerner by birth, and manufactured under license by Richardson & Overman in Philadelphia where Gallager had a dental practice. Reportedly, 17,728 Gallager carbines were manufactured in three different variations. It has a notch and folding leaf rear sight (front sight absent), blued barrel and casehardened frame, lock plate marked “GALLAGER’S PATENT/JULY 17Th 1860” and “MANUFACTd BY/ RICHARDSON & OVERMAN,/PHILADA.” above the serial number, smooth walnut stock with patch box, saddle bar and ring. CONDITION: Fine, retains strong traces of original blue finish underneath scattered heavy surface corrosion on the barrel, 75% plus vivid original case colors strongest on the lock and frame. Stock is very fine with some light dents and handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Patchbox door does not remain firmly closed, otherwise mechanically excellent. Absent front sight as mentioned above. Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 1246
Fine U.S. Marked Massachusetts Arms Co. British Contract Greene Patent Breech Loading Percussion Carbine - NSN, 577 cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Approximately 2,000 of these Greene carbines were manufactured circa 1855-1857 on contract with the British for use in the Crimean War. All but a few hundred were reportedly scrapped for parts later, with few seeing military service. They differ from the American type in the larger caliber, the use of Queen Victoria’s “St. Edward’s Crown/VxR” cipher on the lock, British proofmarks, shorter barrel, hexadecagonal section ahead of the rear sight, sling ring on the lower tang, and a steel buttplate and patch box instead of brass. Blade front and folding ladder rear sights. This example is bearing a British sold out of service mark on the left of the barrel, and “U.S.” marking in the left tail of the stock, indicating it could have possibly been bought back from the British and used in U.S. military service during the Civil War era. CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% plus original blue finish with smooth brown patina and scattered light freckling on the balance, casehardened surfaces turned to a smooth gray patina, a few small patches of light pitting, and mostly clear markings with sharp edges in the metal overall. Stock is very fine with defined edges, scattered light pressure dents and handling marks, and crisp stampings. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
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