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LOT 193
Excellent and Scarce Civil War
Era E. G. Lamson & Co. Palmer Bolt Action Saddle Ring Carbine - NSN, 50 RF cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The Palmer carbine holds the distinction of being the first metallic cartridge bolt action firearm ever adopted by the U.S. Ordnance Department. The bolt does not contain a firing pin and is simply used to seat the cartridge and seal the breech. It fires with a traditional side lock. Approximately 1,001 of these carbines were ordered on contract by the U.S. government late in the Civil War but were delivered too late to see action. It has small “M.M” (Miles Moulton) inspection initials on the left of the breech and left stock flat, a circled script “MM” inspection cartouche stamped on the left stock flat, and small “C.S.P” inspection initials on top of the stock ahead of the buttplate. CONDITION: Excellent, retains 90% plus original plum blue finish on the barrel with some light handling marks, and 85% plus vibrant original case colors strongest on the lock. Stock is also excellent with attractive original raised grain and rich oil finish, distinct edges, numerous scattered light dents and handling marks, and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. This excellent example of a scarce Civil War era Palmer carbine, a significant piece in the development of military arms as well as firearms in general, would make a fine addition to any U.S. martial firearms collection! Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 194 Exceptional U.S. Navy N.P. Ames-Wm. Jenks “Mule Ear” Breech Loading Percussion Carbine - Serial no. 121, 54 cal., 24 1/4 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Ames manufactured 4,250 of these distinctive “mule ear” breech loading carbines between 1843-1846. The Jenks carbines were originally smoothbores with a round loading aperture. Around 1861 most Jenks carbines were rifled and had the loading aperture enlarged to an oval shape to accept a paper cartridge rather than loose balls and powder. “Wm JENKS” and “U.S.N./RP/P/1844” marked on the top of the barrel at the breech ahead of the loading aperture. Small “P” inspection marks are on several components. The lock plate has the Ames three-line marking in the center and “Wm JENKS” towards the rear. Sling ring mounted on the lower tang. Boxed script “RP” and “JL” cartouches stamped on the left of the stock. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 80% plus original brown finish with some light scratches, and 75% plus original case colors with smooth brown patina on the balance. The brass retains an attractive original golden patina. The stock is very fine with defined edges, some light scratches and dents, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional N.P. Ames Jenks Navy carbine would make a fine addition to any U.S. Martial collection! Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
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